Ethan Nwaneri could be in line for his first competitive start for Arsenal this week(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Nwaneri to start, Sterling decision and Timber injury concern – Arsenal changes vs Atalanta

Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling and Riccardo Calafiori are all potential candidates to start for Arsenal against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League

18 Sep 2024, 06:00 by Tom Canton · football.london

This is perhaps the trickiest selection of Mikel Arteta’s season so far as Arsenal take on Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League. The difficulty stems from the fact that in less than three days from the final whistle in Italy the Gunners will travel to Manchester and kick-off against the champions.

Arteta is already managing an injury-hit side with Martin Odegaard currently leading the list of absentees which also includes Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori. The latter is hoping to be returning to action soon but was not fit enough for the derby at the weekend.

Timber had an excellent performance against Spurs despite some controversy surrounding a yellow card call from a clash with Pedro Porro. Yet the Dutch international missed the chance to start the opening game of the season as the club managed a load-bearing injury following his recovery from a major knee issue - that concern has not disappeared and managing his minutes this week are vital.

If Calafiori is indeed back, this would be the perfect time to give him a start at left-back. If not, Jakub Kiwior is of course an option for Mikel Arteta as the Pole looks to get his first minutes of the season having not been allowed to leave in the summer transfer window.

While some might bring new keeper Neto in for his first minutes, David Raya was always the first choice for the Champions League games and barring injury, it seems the 35-year-old is destined to be on the bench until the FA Cup next year. Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are sure to remain unchanged unless there is a recovery from the likes of Tomiyasu.

Into midfield and Declan Rice’s suspension comes to an end meaning the England international can attempt to score again following his impressive displays for England during the break. Thomas Partey does need to have his minutes managed and that is what a Jorginho substitution from the bench is all about.

With Martin Odegaard assumed to still be out, perhaps here is the chance to give Ethan Nwaneri a run out from the start. He came on against Tottenham and looked composed and determined to make his mark.

Into the forward line and the immovable objects of Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka are not expected to be switched out. Saka did come off against Spurs with an issue but it is thought only to be cramp.

On the left is the first time that Raheem Sterling could be primed to get a start and therefore bench Gabriel Martinelli who split opinion with his performance at the weekend. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus are further options from the bench for Arsenal.

Arsenal changes vs Atalanta: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Nwaneri, Saka, Havertz, Sterling

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