Arsenal's predicted line-up vs Atalanta as Mikel Arteta faces Bukayo Saka headache

Mikel Arteta may be tempted to rest star players for tonight's Champions League opener with big test to come away to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon but injuries mean fringe stars must start regardless

Mikel Arteta will be forgiven for sending out a weakened team when Arsenal take on Atalanta this evening with a massive battle to come at Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners are in Bergamo for their opening game in the expanded Champions League - and the new format means greater margin for error if a team begins with a defeat.

And while Arteta will be keen to win in Bergamo, the Premier League clash with the reigning champions will be top priority for almost every single supporter.

Then again a host of injuries means Arteta has no option but the use some of his fringe players against the Serie A club.

Of the 23 men on their UEFA A list, six were listed as injured by UEFA before yesterday evening's pre-match press conference.

That included midfield star Martin Odegaard, who is set for a lengthy spell out following what Arteta described as "a significant" ankle injury, and new signings Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori - though the latter is back in training and could feature off the bench.

Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, hobbled off in last Sunday’s win away to Tottenham and might not be risked ahead of this weekend despite Arteta declaring he is available.

David Raya will continue in goal and Arteta will almost certainly continue with first-choice centre halves William Saliba and Gabriel, flanked by Ben White and Jurrien Timber.

Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images) James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

In midfield Declan Rice is free to return and could find himself alongside Jorginho, who took yesterday's pre-match press conference, and Thomas Partey.

But Kai Havertz may be in line for a rest with Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling coming in with Leandro Trossard rounding out the starting XI.

Atalanta will be without former Everton defender Ben Godfrey and ex-West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca owing to injuries but former Gunner Sead Kolasinac is set to start on the left side of defence.

Arsenal possible XI v Atalanta: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Jorginho, Rice; Sterling, Jesus, Trossard.

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