MIKEL ARTETA finally has a near full strength team to choose from for Arsenal’s clash against Norwich at the Emirates on Saturday.
The Gunners go into their home tie looking to avoid breaking the worst start by a team in Premier League history following three consecutive defeats.
In a Covid and injury-hit start to the campaign, Arsenal have failed to score in their opening three games, while they have shipped nine goals.
The North London outfit will only be without Granit Xhaka (suspended) and Mohamed Elneny (hamstring) for the encounter against the Canaries.
Thomas Partey and Gabriel are expected to appear for the first time this term, while deadline day arrival Takehiro Tomiyasu could make his debut.
Here is how Arsenal could line-up when they take on Daniel Farke’s side.
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno is likely to keep his place between the sticks, for now, ahead of summer signing Aaron Ramsdale.
Kieran Tierney will slot in at left-back, with Tomiyasu to potentially start on the other side following his move from Bologna.
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The versatile 22-year-old featured as the left centre-back for Japan in their 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against China on Tuesday, but often played as a full-back during his time in Italy.
Ben White has recovered from coronavirus, and he could partner Gabriel in the heart of the defence with the Brazilian now available for selection following a knee injury.
In Xhaka’s absence, Albert Sambi Lokonga could partner Thomas Partey in the middle of the pitch.
That is despite Lokonga not being included in either of Belgium’s squads for their World Cup qualifying wins against Czech Republic and Belarus due to fitness concerns.
But boss Roberto Martinez played down the severity of his niggle, as he said: “Regarding Sambi, his omission was not a sporting choice.
“There was a small warning, I would not speak of injury, but of discomfort, in training.
“So we decided not to take any risk given the complicated conditions. It was not a sporadic decision on my part.”
England ace Bukako Saka could then be deployed on the left flank for Arsenal, with Ivorian star Nicolas Pepe to be deployed on the opposite wing.
Martin Odegaard could then feature in the No10 role instead of Emile Smith Rowe, with skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to lead the line.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
