GABRIEL MARTINELLI has been dropped from Arsenal’s starting line-up ahead of today’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
The Brazilian, 21, has started every Premier League game so far this season.
However, Arteta has dropped him to the bench this afternoon with January signing Leandro Trossard taking his spot on the left wing.
The Arsenal boss has also made a change to his back four with Ben White returning to the line-up to replace Takehiro Tomiyasu.
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New boy Jorginho has kept his spot in midfield due to the absence of Thomas Partey.
Partey was ruled out of Wednesday’s huge clash with Manchester City at the last minute due to a muscle injury.
And Arteta has decided to leave him out of today’s squad completely as a precaution.
Emile Smith-Rowe has returned to the fold following a long spell out of action with a recurring groin injury.
He could make an appearance off the bench late in the game to replace one of Arsenal’s three midfielders.
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The Gunners go into this game level on points with Man City following Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat.
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However, they have dropped down to second in the table, for the first time since November, on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa sit 11th in the table following two successive defeats.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
