Injury Crisis Challenges Arteta’s Selection for Sporting and Bournemouth Matches

Arsenal face a crucial week after successive cup losses left questions over squad depth. The Gunners travel to Sporting for a Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday. They return to the Emirates to host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

An injury crisis is challenging Arteta’s selection ahead of the Sporting and Bournemouth matches. Eleven Arsenal players withdrew from international duty during the March break. That decision has added strain to Mikel Arteta’s options.

Goalkeeping

Kepa Arrizabalaga started the Carabao Cup final. He made a costly error for Manchester City’s opening goal. Kepa also started against Southampton, with David Raya an unused substitute on both occasions.

Raya is expected to reclaim the No.1 spot for the trip to Portugal. Arteta appears likely to move back to his first-choice goalkeeper for the two big fixtures.

Defence

Right-back

Ben White was at fault for Southampton’s first goal. He had returned after Jurrien Timber’s ankle injury. Timber will miss the first leg in Portugal, Arteta confirmed.

White is the probable starter at right-back for Sporting. Arteta hopes Timber can return for the Bournemouth game.

Centre-back

Gabriel left the Southampton match with a limp and ice on his left knee. He had earlier missed Brazil duty due to right-knee pain. He trained on Monday and is available for selection.

William Saliba replaced Gabriel at St Mary’s after missing France duty. Questions remain over Saliba’s ability to play a full 90 minutes. Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori are additional options.

The preference is to revert to the Saliba–Gabriel partnership if fitness allows. Calafiori could be required for the away leg in Portugal.

Left-back

Piero Hincapié suffered a hamstring problem while on Ecuador duty. He missed the Southampton match and has yet to return to training. Myles Lewis-Skelly started at left-back on Saturday.

Calafiori can cover the left if needed. Lewis-Skelly remains a likely option for the Sporting trip.

Midfield

Declan Rice returned to training and is available for Tuesday’s match. Arteta said Rice and Bukayo Saka had been around 70 percent. That explained their withdrawal from England duty and absence at Southampton.

Martin Ødegaard made his first start since January. Martin Zubimendi came off the bench after experiencing knee issues with Spain. Christian Nørgaard also featured as part of the midfield rotation.

Eberechi Eze remains sidelined with a calf problem. Mikel Merino is working to return after foot surgery in February. Expect Rice, Ødegaard and Zubimendi to form the core in Lisbon.

Wingers

Bukayo Saka will miss the trip to Sporting but could be available for Bournemouth. Leandro Trossard returned to full training after a hip issue. Noni Madueke avoided a serious knee injury while on England duty and came off the bench at the weekend.

Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman and Gabriel Martinelli played the full 90 at Southampton. Dowman is unlikely to start again so soon. Martinelli could retain a place on the left in Sporting.

Attack

Viktor Gyökeres scored after coming off the bench versus Southampton. He faces his former club Sporting in the Champions League. Gyökeres is expected to lead the line in Portugal.

Kai Havertz featured in an attacking midfield role at St Mary’s. Gabriel Jesus remains an option but has been used sparingly in recent competitions. Havertz may see reduced minutes ahead of the Bournemouth fixture.

Selection outlook

Arteta must balance recovery and competitive needs across two vital matches. Squad rotation looks likely because of fitness doubts and recent fatigue. Filmogaz.com believes the manager will pick experience where possible.

• Goalkeeper: David Raya likely to start in Portugal.
• Defence: Saliba and Gabriel preferred if both are fit.
• Midfield: Rice, Ødegaard and Zubimendi expected to lead.
• Attack: Gyökeres to start against his former club.

The fixtures will test Arsenal’s depth and resolve. Results in Lisbon and at the Emirates will shape the rest of their season.