The transfer window is now shut and full focus must be on the season ahead.
Arsenal need to get back to winning ways when they welcome Manchester United to The Emirates on Sunday afternoon, but it looks like they have a new injury issue to deal with.
Ghana released a statement to suggest Thomas Partey was injured and rumours have since spread that the injury is significant. Either way, it’s almost certain he won’t feature today. So how will Arsenal adapt?
Have a look how I think we could line up for the game below. Disagree? Create your Arsenal XI at the bottom of this article.
Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
He didn’t cover himself in glory for the opener against Fulham, so Ramsdale will be feeling the pressure from new man David Raya, and I’m sure Arteta will consider a change over the international break if Ramsdale doesn’t have a good game today.
Defenders: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Arteta has been scrutinised for his decision to leave Gabriel out and start Partey as a right back, but Zinchenko’s return, coupled with the injury for Partey, could see Gabriel come back in for this game and for the forseeable future. This would see White move back to the right and with that, Bukayo Saka’s best form could return.
Midfielder: Jorginho, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard
I have a feeling Arteta will want to be a bit cautious in the absence of Partey and so, rather than starting Havertz in midfield again, he could bring in Jorginho. The Italian is a great conductor of possesion and he could allow Rice to push forward a little more on the left.
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli
Jesus is now fit again but I think Arteta will give Nketiah his opportunity in this game, following two Premier League goals already this season. Eddie also scored two against Manchester United in this fixture last season and Jesus is probably not yet fit enough to be starting.
Neither Saka or Martinelli have had the best seasons so far, and with Reiss Nelson fit again and Trossard pushing to get into the team, they will both want to have a good game today and remind everyone why they are the star-boys of this side.
How would you line up? Create your XI below and share it on social media!