The Gunners are facing a tough test against Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but their injury concerns have taken center stage. As they aim to finish in the top eight positions during the league phase, Arsenal will be without key players such as Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, and Thomas Partey, and defender Gabriel Magalhaes is also doubtful due to fitness issues. It remains to be seen if manager Mikel Arteta can rally his side and secure a crucial win against a tough opponent.
Arsenal's Champions League Woes: Injuries Plague Gunners Ahead of Monaco Clash
Arsenal's UEFA Champions League campaign has been dealt a significant blow with a host of key injuries casting doubts over their chances against AS Monaco on Wednesday night.
Injury Crisis
The Gunners will be without several key players for the crucial match. Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, Italian left-back Riccardo Calafiori, and Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey are all sidelined. Brazilian center-back Gabriel Magalhaes is also doubtful due to fitness issues.
The absence of these players is a major concern for manager Mikel Arteta, who is targeting a top-eight finish in the league phase. Arsenal has struggled for consistency in recent weeks, winning just two of their last five matches in all competitions.
Monaco Test
Monaco poses a formidable challenge for the injury-hit Gunners. The French club is currently third in Ligue 1 and has a strong record in European competition. They eliminated Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League play-offs and have won their last three matches.
Arteta's Dilemma
Arteta faces a difficult task in selecting his team for the Monaco clash. With Timber and Gabriel out, Rob Holding and William Saliba are likely to start in central defense. Calafiori's absence could see Kieran Tierney move to left-back, while Partey's injury leaves a void in midfield that Granit Xhaka or Mohamed Elneny could fill.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When is the Arsenal vs. Monaco match? Wednesday, November 2, 2023, at 8 PM (UK time)
2. Which players are injured for Arsenal? Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Thomas Partey, and Gabriel Magalhaes (doubtful)
3. What is Arsenal's target in the Champions League? Top-eight finish in the league phase
4. Who is Monaco's manager? Philippe Clement
5. What is Arsenal's recent form? Two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches in all competitions
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