Arsenal are set to face Luton Town at the Emirates on Wednesday night, and Mikel Arteta has several selection decisions to make.
The Gunners face a busy April, with eight crucial games including two matches against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, and rotation may be key in these coming matches.
Arsenal battled to a 0-0 draw away at Manchester City on Sunday, in a game which saw Bukayo Saka withdrawn with an injury, and Gabriel Martinelli introduced as a substitute having returned from a short-term absence.
Arteta has revealed that whilst Saka’s suspected injury was not a problem, he does have a decision to make over whether Martinelli will be ready to start.
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Mikel Arteta gives fitness update on Gabriel Martinelli ahead of Arsenal clash with Luton
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta claimed that Martinelli’s cameo against Man City should indicate that he is ready to face Luton, but a decision had not yet been made over the Brazilian.
“He is (fit enough to play 90 minutes) because he was available to play against a really tough opponent three days ago,” Arteta stated.
“Again, we’ll train today and see the state of every player and make the right decision tomorrow.”
Arsenal could take cautious approach against Luton Town
Luton are Arsenal’s lowest-placed opponents in their April schedule, and this may be the best opportunity to give bench players some much-needed minutes.
This could see both Saka and Martinelli remain on the bench, with the likes of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus or even Reiss Nelson starting on the wings.
Arsenal cannot afford to lose Martinelli given that there is no other Arsenal attacker with his speed as an outlet, and there is a case to be made that he should not be risked given the tough schedule ahead.
Some minutes off the bench could help him build his match-sharpness back up, but Arteta should trust his side, even with a few changes, to secure three points at home against the relegation strugglers.
Arsenal will travel to Brighton on Saturday before welcoming Bayern Munich to the Emirates, and they will need to have a fully fit, and well-rested squad for both games, meaning that the Luton clash is the one where they will have to make the most changes.