Arsenal head into their crucial weekend showdown against Manchester United riding the momentum of their dominant midweek victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
However, they know that securing another win is essential to keeping their faint Premier League title hopes alive.
Mikel Arteta’s side currently trails Liverpool by 16 points, though they have two games in hand over Arne Slot’s team. After a disappointing run in the league, where they scored just twice in their previous four matches before dismantling PSV, the Gunners must rediscover their attacking edge at Old Trafford. Both of those league goals came late in a narrow win over bottom-placed Leicester City.
Despite a morale boost from their European triumph, Arteta faces several selection dilemmas. Ben White has returned from injury and made substitute appearances, raising questions about whether he should start to gain more minutes. Meanwhile, Myles Lewis-Skelly is available again after serving a suspension for his red card against West Ham, though his early substitution in midweek may influence Arteta’s decisions. Additionally, Jurrien Timber’s versatility offers more defensive options.
However, five key players are confirmed absentees for the trip to face Ruben Amorim’s side.
Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu have been ruled out for the rest of the season following knee surgeries, while Kai Havertz is sidelined until pre-season after undergoing a hamstring operation. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli remain unavailable as well, further depleting Arsenal’s attacking options.
As a result, Arsenal will have just 17 senior players available for selection, according to the club’s official website. Youngsters Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri—both listed as academy players—will be included in the matchday squad as usual. Academy forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, who has frequently featured on the substitutes’ bench recently, could also receive another call-up to provide additional attacking depth.
With several first-team stars missing, Arteta will need to make the most of his squad options as Arsenal aim to secure a vital victory at Old Trafford.
