Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is dealing with a midfield problem once again ahead of Burnley’s Premier League visit to the Emirates on Sunday.
After receiving two yellow cards against Liverpool in Thursday’s EFL Cup semi-final exit, the Gunners, who are already without Mohamed Elneny due to the Africa Cup of Nations and Granit Xhaka due to suspension, saw the returning Thomas Partey collect two yellow cards.
Bernd Leno, Calum Chambers, and Cedric Soares are all out with injuries, but none of them were anticipated to start here.
Takehiro Tomiyasu looked rusty in midweek, but a dearth of options on the right side should see the Japan international return to a backline that includes Kierney, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Ben White.
Albert Sambi Lokonga is once again Arsenal’s only fit senior central midfielder, which means Martin Odegaard will almost certainly have to drop deeper unless Arteta grants Charlie Patino his Premier League debut.
Although such a scenario is improbable against this physically imposing Burnley side, Emile Smith Rowe will expect to retain his starting position despite also seeming off the pace on Thursday night.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will continue to form a youthful attacking unit behind Alexandre Lacazette, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang unlikely to be risked despite his assurances to fans following his COVID health crisis.
Arsenal possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Lokonga, Odegaard; Saka, Smith Rowe, Martinelli; Lacazette
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