Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be working around a depleted defence for Sunday’s Premier League finale against Southampton at St Mary’s
The Gunners’ 1-0 triumph over Newcastle United last weekend did not come without sacrifice, as William Saliba came off at half time with a hamstring problem and will play no part in this one.
Furthermore, Jurrien Timber will spend the next couple of months recuperating from an ankle operation, joining Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) in the treatment room.
Timber’s absence will allow Ben White to continue building up his fitness at right-back, while Riccardo Calafiori and Jakub Kiwior will resume their partnership from the second half of the triumph over the Magpies.
With second place virtually guaranteed, Arteta should have no qualms about throwing in a couple of departing players, so Kieran Tierney and Jorginho may both enjoy one last Arsenal bow before they bid farewell.
The latter could displace Thomas Partey at the base of the midfield, where Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice should also operate, although Mikel Merino is another option after serving his suspension.
However, the Spaniard could instead occupy the centre-forward role if Kai Havertz is not deemed ready for a start, potentially with Ethan Nwaneri instead of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli fending off Leandro Trossard for the left-wing spot.
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Calafiori, Kiwior, Tierney; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Martinelli
> Click here to see how Southampton could line up for this match
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