Arsenal XI vs Lens: Starting lineup and confirmed team news
rsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces a tricky balancing act in tonight’s Champions League visit to RC Lens, with a crunch Premier League clash against Manchester City looming on Sunday.
Thomas Partey has been included in the travelling squad but is on the bench, having not played since August, leaving Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to continue in midfield.
Kai Havertz keeps his place after his goal from the penalty spot in the 4-0 drubbing of Bournemouth.
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Leandro Trossard returns to the side after recovering from injury. The Belgian was impressive in the opening Champions League group game against PSV Eindhoven and replaces Eddie Nketiah in the front three, allowing Gabriel Jesus to return to central striker.
Takehiro Tomiyasu also starts, enabling Arteta to rest Ben White. There remains debate about Arsenal’s best goalkeeper but David Raya continues ahead of Aaron Ramsdale in the big games.
Jurrien Timber (ACL) and Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring) have not travelled.
Arsenal XI: Raya, Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Trossard
Subs: Ramsdale, White, Partey, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Kiwior, Cedric, Jorginho, Vieira, Nelson, Elneny, Hein
Injured: Timber, Martinelli
Time and date: 8pm BST on October 3, 2023
Venue: Stade Bollaert-Delelis