Arsenal XI vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League

Arsenal could be without three key players for tonight’s Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk. Gunners captain Martin Odegaard is still out with a knee injury he picked up in September playing for Norway. Mikel Arteta’s side are also likely to be without Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, as both missed training on Monday afternoon.
Saka has been struggling with a hamstring injury he sustained playing for England during the recent international break. The winger was forced off during England’s defeat to Greece on October 10 and missed the Three Lions’ win over Finland three days later.
Timber has been out since the start of this month with what Arteta has confirmed is a muscular problem. The defender missed Arsenal’s win over Southampton on October 5 and has not played for them since.
Arsenal slumped to their first defeat of the season last weekend after being beaten 2-0 by Bournemouth. Arteta may look to change his team after that loss, although the back-four is likely to stay the same unless Timber is thrown straight back into the team after being out with a muscular problem.
In midfield, Jorginho could come into the side in place of Thomas Partey, and Kai Havertz may slot into there, too. Arteta played a midfield three of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Partey at Bournemouth on Saturday, but it struggled to gel.
Havertz could drop into there to add creativity. Ethan Nwaneri is an option, but Arteta suggested on Monday he is unlikely to start.
Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Havertz, Jorginho, Rice; Sterling, Jesus, Martinelli
Doubts: Saka (hamstring), Timber (knock)
Injured: Odegaard (ankle), Tierney (hamstring), Tomiyasu (knee)
Arsenal squad from: Neto, Raya, Setford; Calafiori, Gabriel, Heaven, Kiwior, Saliba, White, Zinchenko; Havertz, Jorginho, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Nwaneri, Partey, Rice; Jesus, Martinelli, Sterling and Trossard. For more information visit our Facebook page.