Injury Crisis Puts Arteta's Selection Skills to the Test in Crucial Week for Arsenal

Following two consecutive defeats, Arsenal's chances of securing Champions League and Premier League glory are dwindling, and they must bounce back this week. Mikel Arteta has called on his team to demonstrate their mettle after losses in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup final. However, his selection options are severely limited due to an injury crisis, with eleven players ruled out of international duty during the March break. This has led to speculation about the team's energy conservation for club football. Arteta's recent team selection and an open training session suggest that he is facing significant challenges. With crucial matches against Sporting and Bournemouth looming, Arteta may need to delve deep into his squad to find solutions. The Arsenal boss has been criticized for his selection of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who made a critical error in the Carabao Cup final. Despite this, Arteta has continued to back Kepa, selecting him again in the FA Cup match against Southampton, where the team's defense was poor and conceded two goals. First-choice goalkeeper David Raya is expected to return to the starting lineup against Sporting and Bournemouth. Ben White, who made an error in the FA Cup match, is likely to start again against Sporting, as Jurrien Timber is injured and will miss the first leg. Arteta is hopeful that Timber will return to face Bournemouth on Saturday. The availability of Gabriel, who limped out of the tie with Southampton, is uncertain, but he has resumed full training and is available for the match against Sporting. William Saliba, who replaced Gabriel, had missed France duty due to injury and may not be able to play a full 90 minutes. Other options for the center-back position include Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori. Piero Hincapie, Arsenal's first-choice left-back, suffered a hamstring injury during the international break and has not returned to training, leaving Calafiori or Myles Lewis-Skelly as possible options. The return of Declan Rice on Tuesday is a boost for the team, while Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard are likely to start against Sporting. Eberechi Eze remains unavailable due to a calf injury, and Mikel Merino is racing to feature again this season after foot surgery. Bukayo Saka's absence will continue against Sporting, but Arteta is hopeful he will return for the visit of Bournemouth on Saturday. Leandro Trossard's return from a hip issue is a welcome boost, while Noni Madueke avoided a serious knee injury while with England. Viktor Gyokeres, who made a goalscoring contribution from the bench at Southampton, is eager to face his former club Sporting in the Champions League. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are other options at No 9, although Jesus has had a limited role in recent games.