'Been so good': Sky reporter says there are 'suggestions' Arteta will bench £34m star vs Atalanta
Today at 02:55 AM
Arsenal now turn their attention to the Champions League, with the opening game of this year’s competition coming against Atalanta.
After a rollercoaster ride of an international break, Mikel Arteta was able to silence any doubters in the North London derby as a weakened Arsenal side got the better of Spurs.
The Champions League’s new format offers a completely different challenge for the Gunners.
Atalanta have won two and lost two to start their season in the Serie A, but anything goes in Europe and everyone saw exactly how good they can be in the Europa League last season.
Declan Rice returns after his red card and Riccardo Calafiori is also in the squad, so things are starting to look up for the Gunners.
However, it appears as if Arteta is set to rotate things if what Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill is saying is true…
£34m Arsenal player looks set to be benched vs Atalanta
Mikel Merino is nearing a return to full fitness after suffering an injury not long after joining Arsenal.
Arteta could soon have a bit of a selection headache in the middle of midfield, with Jorginho still showing he has the quality to be a starter after being praised by Alan Shearer.
However, it’s at left-back that Arteta has an even trickier call to make with Riccardo Calafiori only just back from injury and Jurrien Timber at risk of an overload.
Interestingly, Gary Cotterill appears to have suggestions of who won’t be starting there against Atalanta.
When speaking on Sky Sports News, Cotterill stated that Jurrien Timber looks set to be benched.
“We could debate all evening about who he (Arteta) might rest in terms of important players.
“Some suggestions are perhaps Jurrien Timber, who has been so good for Arsenal, played the whole of the North London derby.
“Injury devastated start to his Arsenal career, they’ve got to be careful with him.”
The players Arteta could bench vs Atalanta
Jurrien Timber may be required in the starting lineup after playing the full 90 minutes against Spurs, with Riccardo Calafiori only just back from injury and Oleksandr Zinchenko missing training due to a calf issue.
In other areas, Kai Havertz could be set for a breather if Arteta opts for Gabriel Jesus at the pinnacle of the attack, while Declan Rice will likely slot back into midfield.
Thomas Partey is due a rest after his full-on start to the season, and Jorginho will be keen to build on his impressive performance against Spurs.
Gabriel Martinelli could do with some more confidence in a slightly different position on the right-hand side which could allow Bukayo Saka to be rested.
However, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling have looked good in training, so there’s another selection headache for Arteta on the left.
