Mikel Arteta considers Arsenal's options for Champions League opener against Napoli

Mikel Arteta considers Arsenal's options for Champions League opener against Napoli

The Gunners have considerable depth at their disposal, allowing the manager to make several alterations without significantly weakening his side.

Martin Zubimendi could come into midfield for Bruno Guimaraes, who missed the Chelsea match after picking up a knock.

Eberechi Eze is another candidate for a starting berth, while Viktor Gyokeres could be handed his first start of the season as Arteta potentially manages Kai Havertz's workload.

Defence presents a more complicated picture, however, with injuries limiting Arteta's choices. William Saliba remains sidelined with a back problem, while Jurrien Timber has yet to feature this term but is nearing a comeback. Cristhian Mosquera is also a doubt because of a muscle issue.

Ezri Konsa is expected to partner Gabriel, as he did against Chelsea, leaving left-back as the likeliest area for a defensive alteration.

Riccardo Calafiori has impressed in the opening stages of the season, but Arsenal are likely to monitor his minutes given his injury history.

Piero Hincapie, the only defender among the substitutes against Chelsea, could therefore be in line for a start.

Arsenal won all eight league-phase fixtures last season and remained unbeaten in 90 minutes before losing the final to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. They will now attempt to finish the job this season.
 

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