Arsenal Vs Atalanta: Arteta to be without 5 key stars, to bring in 2 players

Manager Mikel Arteta is in a tough spot ahead of Arsenal’s first match in the UEFA Champions League this season when they take on Atalanta tonight.

Arteta is expected to make at least two changes to the Gunners squad for their opener against Atalanta.

This because there are speculations that Arsenal could be without five players for their clash against Atalanta, as Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Martin Odegaard and Kieran Tierney weren’t in training.

While Odegaard will be on the sidelines for an extended period due to ankle injury, Merino is making progress and could return to the team soon.

Arteta has the chance to mix things up in the Champions League, with players like Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz needing a rest ahead of their weekend game against Manchester City.

A number of Arsenal academy stars, including Ethan Nwaneri, travelled to Italy, so perhaps he could get a nod to start.

While midfielder Declan Rice’s return to the side would fill a void, Arteta could decide to make use of Jorginho after his display that impressed Alan Shearer.

Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling haven’t had much game time so far this season due to fitness and injury issues and could also get chances to play tonight.