The Premier League champions are back in action following a three-week international break during which they suffered several injury setbacks.
Christos Tzolis will miss this afternoon’s match with a hamstring injury, while Kai Havertz is a doubt with the muscle strain he picked up playing for Germany.
If the former Chelsea star fails to recover in time, Arteta will have to decide whether or not to select the out of sorts Viktor Gyokeres, or makeshift No.9 Mikel Merino.
Gyokere’s has endured a difficult start to the new campaign but restored a measure of confidence with several impressive displays for Sweden during their Nations League fixtures.
Merino, too, was in fine form for Spain and although he is closer stylistically to Havertz, Arsenal legend David Seaman believes it is Gyokeres who should be given the nod up front.
Asked if he would play Merino ahead of Gyokeres, he told the Sports Breakfast: ‘No, I think you need an out-and-out striker for me. He’s proven with Sweden that he can score goals.
Up Next
Previous Page
Next Page
Viktor Gyokeres has been in excellent form for Sweden (Picture: Getty)
‘He got, what, 20-odd goals last season in all competitions, and that’s what you want your striker to do.
‘He’s not had many opportunities this season because he’s been on the bench most of the time.
‘I think it’d only be fair and right if they do give him a chance, and that’s dependent on Havertz. I’m sure he’d be all right.
‘The thing is, though, when you see him play for Sweden, he scores goals. But Sweden play a different way to Arsenal, don’t they?’
