Arsenal Team News: Jesus Returns vs Atalanta, But Concerns Remain
The Gunners are set to face Atalanta in a crucial UEFA Europa League group stage match at the Emirates Stadium, with the return of Gabriel Jesus a significant boost for Mikel Arteta's side. However, there are still concerns surrounding the fitness of other key players.
Jesus's Return:
After missing the last three games due to a knee injury, Jesus is back in training and is expected to feature against Atalanta. This is great news for Arsenal, as the Brazilian forward has been instrumental in their impressive start to the season. His return brings back a crucial goal threat and creative spark to the team's attack.
Concerns Remain:
Despite Jesus's return, Arteta faces a few headaches in terms of team selection.
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Martin Ødegaard: The Norwegian captain is still recovering from a calf injury and is unlikely to feature against Atalanta. His absence will be a significant blow for the team, as Ødegaard has been in excellent form this season.
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Thomas Partey: The Ghanaian midfielder also missed the last game against Liverpool due to a thigh injury. While his return remains unclear, he is also considered doubtful for the Atalanta game. Partey's presence is crucial for Arsenal's midfield control and defensive stability.
Potential Lineup:
With these factors in mind, Arteta could opt for a similar lineup to the one that defeated Liverpool. This could see Eddie Nketiah lead the line alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. In midfield, Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny are likely to start, with Emile Smith Rowe providing attacking support.
A Crucial Match:
The game against Atalanta is a crucial one for Arsenal, as they look to secure qualification for the knockout stages of the Europa League. With the team facing a demanding fixture schedule, it will be interesting to see how Arteta manages his squad.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus's return is a huge boost for Arsenal.
- Concerns remain regarding the fitness of Ødegaard and Partey.
- Arsenal need a strong performance to secure qualification in the Europa League.
This match promises to be an exciting one, and it will be fascinating to see how Arsenal perform with Jesus back in the team, despite the absence of key players.
