Arsenal Unveils Bold XI to Face Sunderland as Arteta Names Saka and Odegaard Stand-ins—Latest Injury Updates and Starting Lineup Revealed
Arsenal get back to Premier League duties this Saturday afternoon, hosting impressive underdogs Sunderland at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners secured their spot in the Carabao Cup final during the week, defeating London rivals Chelsea 4–2 over two legs to build on the positive momentum in north London following Arsenal's six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table last weekend.
Focus now shifts to widening that gap this weekend against a tricky Sunderland team that managed a 2–2 stalemate with Arsenal back in November.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Arsenal are likely to remain without Bukayo Saka for a third consecutive fixture as he continues recovering from a minor muscle problem sustained during warm-ups before last weekend's thrashing of Leeds United.
Martin Ødegaard also missed Chelsea's midweek visit due to a knock and his availability—and potential role—for the Sunderland encounter remains uncertain.
Max Dowman and Mikel Merino are both unavailable, with the latter having recently had surgery on a foot bone injury, while Mikel Arteta must decide between Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Jesus in attack.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland (4-2-3-1)
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland (4-2-3-1)
GK: David Raya—Given a well-deserved break midweek as Kepa Arrizabalaga kept a clean sheet against his old club, Raya will be refreshed for Sunderland's arrival.
RB: Jurriën Timber—Timber was absent from Thursday's training session for Arsenal but should feature against the Black Cats. Ben White remains ready as backup if needed.
CB: William Saliba—Brian Brobbey caused problems for Arsenal's backline when introduced in the second half during November's draw, even scoring the injury-time leveler. Saliba needs to be mindful of the Dutchman's physicality.
CB: Gabriel—The Brazilian has now gone eight matches without finding the net or providing an assist, representing an unusually barren spell for the commanding center-back.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori—Piero Hincapié has featured in the last two matches at left-back but Calafiori might return as Arteta looks to rotate his squad when feasible.
DM: Martín Zubimendi—Zubimendi found the back of the net once more last weekend, bringing his Premier League total to four. That's twice what he managed last season with Real Sociedad.
DM: Declan Rice—The remarkably reliable Rice—among the globe's finest central midfielders—will be eager for the midfield duel with Sunderland, particularly given former Arsenal player Granit Xhaka's absence.
RW: Noni Madueke—Saka's unavailability proved inconsequential against Leeds thanks to Madueke's outstanding display. A goal and assist saw him dominate at Elland Road, boosting his confidence levels.
AM: Kai Havertz—Havertz has been excellent since returning from injury—his dramatic winner against previous club Chelsea might have secured his starting berth in Ødegaard's absence.
LW: Leandro Trossard—Trossard has now gone eight games without scoring or assisting but continues as Arteta's first choice on the left wing over Gabriel Martinelli.
ST: Gabriel Jesus—Following Viktor Gyökeres' underwhelming midweek showing, Jesus could return as Arsenal's striker after netting three times in his previous four appearances.