Arsenal are still without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in training as they prepare for their Champions League showdown against PSV Eindhoven this week.
The Gunners will head to Netherlands for Tuesday’s last 16 first leg clash after failing to score in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since May 2023.
With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus both out for the rest of the season, Mikel Arteta is also still without two key components to his attack with his side desperately short on goals.
Saka has not played this year after undergoing hamstring surgery in December while Martinelli was forced off with hamstring issue of his own in the Carabao Cup first leg clash against Newcastle in February.
Arteta has named Arsenal’s game against Fulham after the international break as a likely return date for the pair, before suggesting the Brazil international could be closer to making his return than his teammate.
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But neither appears close to returning to action this week.
Interestingly, Martinelli has been included in the preliminary Brazil squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina but it remains to be seen whether if he makes the final cut.
Mikel Merino has operated as a makeshift centre forward in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice against Leicester before drawing a blank in games against West Ham United and Nottingham Forest.
With little other alternative, the Spaniard may continue in that role on Tuesday night although Arteta may be tempted to experiment with Ethan Nwaneri through the middle.
The 17-year-old has started Arsenal’s last three games, coming off in the last two due to fatigue concerns with his manager eager to keep the teenager fit for the season run-in.
Riccardo Calafiori was also forced off at half-time in what was a tactical decision and not injury-related.
The Italian was back in training on Monday morning alongside Nwaneri.
Arsenal’s only other absentee is Takehiro Tomiyasu who will also miss the rest of the season after knee surgery.
Predicted Arsenal XI to face PSV Eindhoven
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
Where to watch PSV vs Arsenal? Kick-off time and TV channel
PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal kicks off at 8pm on Tuesday 4 March.
Live coverage is available on Amazon Prime Video.
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