Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted he might be forced to deploy a completely new front three for Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Gunners are already dealing with significant injury setbacks, with Arteta confirming that Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus will all miss the match.
When questioned during his press conference about potential attacking options, Arteta acknowledged that he may have to start three forwards who have never played together before.
The trio likely to lead the line appears to be Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze—an unfamiliar combination for Arsenal. Arteta conceded that this setup would be unprecedented for the team.
Arteta on the selection dilemma:
“We’re missing Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka—and possibly Leandro Trossard too,” Arteta told reporters. “That’s just the situation we’re in, and we’ll have to come up with something new, something we haven’t tried before. But it could still work out very well. I have full confidence in the players.”
Arsenal have been plagued by injuries over the past year, with Saka, Havertz, and Jesus spending lengthy spells on the sidelines last season as well. Other key figures like Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Ben White have also dealt with injuries.
Charles Watts weighs in on midfield options:
In a recent column for CaughtOffside, Arsenal journalist Charles Watts discussed the potential midfield setup, especially with Odegaard’s availability still uncertain.
“If Odegaard can’t play, it will be fascinating to see what Arteta does,” Watts wrote. “I’d love to see Eberechi Eze get his first start. However, Ethan Nwaneri is also in contention, and giving him a start in such a high-stakes match would be a bold show of trust.”
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