Arsenal breezed past Bolton in the EFL Cup and now they will have to shift their focus back to the English Premier League where they have a tricky fixture against Leicester City at the weekend.
On paper, the Gunners are the overwhelming favourites to pick up a win, however, Mikel Arteta is without some crucial players already and as per rumours, the manager could miss a few more on Saturday.
Arsenal are undefeated in their previous five meetings against Leicester City but they do go into matchweek six at the back of a 2-2 draw against Manchester City. Also, the North London side are currently fourth on the league table but they have won just two out of their previous matches.
Arteta’s side are just two points off the top of the table however, if they fail to secure three points on Saturday, City will have the chance to open up a five-point gap.
Arsenal’s team news and injuries for matchweek six:
Ben White picked up a knock during the draw against Manchester City so he is a slight doubt for Saturday and to make matters worse, BBC’s Harry Symeou is claiming that along with Ben White, David Raya and Jurrien Timber are also a doubt for the Leicester City game.
All three are key components in Mikel Arteta’s plans this season and if they are going to miss out then it will be a huge blow for Arsenal.
The Gunners are already amidst a major injury crisis with Tomiyasu, Tierney and Zinchenko all ruled out due to various injuries. In such a scenario, if Timber and Ben White miss out then the manager will have to really sweat to name a top-class defensive line.
Jurrien Timber has been in sensational form this season and if he is not fit in time then summer signing Calafiori will most likely play on the left-hand side.
Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard are also unavailable so Arsenal have limited midfield resources. Thomas Partey will replace Jorginho and that will be the only change in central midfield on Saturday.
Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz were rested for the Bolton game so they will come back into the starting lineup. Leandro Trossard will also return and play up front as the centre-forward after serving his one-match suspension.
Arsenal do not have a like-for-like replacement for Bukayo Saka so the England international will start again. Saka has played every game this season for the Gunners and unless Mikel Arteta finds a way to rest him, the 23-year-old is on the brink of picking up a stress injury.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Leicester City:
Predicted Starting Lineup(4-2-3-1): Raya/Neto; Gabriel, William Saliba, Calafiori, Ben White; Declan Rice, Partey; Havertz, Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Trossard.