As Arsenal prepare to face Dinamo Zagreb in their crucial Champions League encounter, manager Mikel Arteta will have to make some adjustments to his starting XI due to ongoing injuries to several key players. Despite their commanding position in the Champions League, Arteta may look to rotate his squad, with some changes expected to be made in the lineup.
Arsenal will be without central defender William Saliba for this match. The Frenchman missed the Premier League draw against Aston Villa over the weekend due to a hamstring injury sustained in the north London derby. Saliba has not been involved in training this week, and Arteta confirmed that the game against Dinamo Zagreb comes too soon for him. “He is evolving well, the last few days he was feeling much better already, but this game comes a little bit too early for him,” Arteta explained.
In addition to Saliba, Arsenal will continue to miss the services of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, both of whom are long-term absentees due to hamstring and knee injuries, respectively. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also out with knee issues, further limiting Arteta’s options in both defense and attack.
On a positive note, Arsenal welcomed Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori back to training earlier this week. Nwaneri, who has been sidelined since earlier this month with a muscle injury, and Calafiori, who missed the last three games due to injury, both returned to full fitness and are available for selection.
“It’s very positive news, we’ve missed them for a few weeks and they returned today for training so they will be available for the game,” Arteta said, acknowledging their return.
Possible Lineup
Given the injuries, Arteta may opt for a rotated lineup for this game, especially with the Gunners already in a strong position in their Champions League group. Here is the predicted lineup:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Raya
Right-back: Partey
Centre-backs: Kiwior, Gabriel
Left-back: Tierney
Midfielders: Odegaard, Jorginho, Merino
Wingers: Sterling, Havertz
Centre-forward: Trossard
With Saliba unavailable, Arteta could bring Jakub Kiwior into the center of defense alongside Gabriel. Kieran Tierney, who has been sidelined recently due to injury, may also get the nod at left-back to provide fresh legs in the defense. In midfield, Jorginho could come in for the match, with Odegaard and Merino likely to partner him.
While Arsenal’s attack is currently depleted, Raheem Sterling could be handed a starting role on the wing, with Havertz and Trossard offering support in the forward positions.
Injuries Overview
Gabriel Jesus: Knee injury (long-term absence)
Bukayo Saka: Hamstring injury (long-term absence)
William Saliba: Hamstring injury (out for this game)
Ben White: Knee injury (out)
Takehiro Tomiyasu: Knee injury (out)
Match Details
Date & Time: 8:00 PM GMT on Wednesday, January 22, 2025
As Arsenal looks to maintain their strong Champions League campaign, the return of key players, alongside Arteta’s strategic rotations, will be vital for ensuring continued success. With an injury-stricken squad, Arteta will need to rely on the depth of his team to secure a crucial victory over Dinamo Zagreb.
