Arsenal team news to face Athletic Club as Mikel Arteta may drop three players

Arsenal are likely to adopt a new look in both kit and squad selection against Athletic Club on Tuesday, with an important Premier League showdown on the horizon.

Mikel Arteta's side ran out 3-0 winners over Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Summer signing Martin Zubimendi stole the show with a brace, including a spectacular volley from the edge of the box to open the scoring in the first half.

A Viktor Gyokeres strike just after the restart added to the Gunners' lead, before Zubimendi tied the bow on the home win with a towering header to make it 3-0. However, not all was positive on Saturday as captain Martin Odegaard was forced off early in the first half with a recurring shoulder injury.

Arteta will likely be sweating over the fitness of his skipper ahead of their Champions League opener this week, but Zubimendi's latest performances showcase that they do have depth in midfield. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus remain out for Arsenal, meaning Arteta will be looking to some less experienced stars to lead the line in the European competition.

Defender Ben White returned to the matchday squad on Saturday after dealing with a knock, sitting on the bench alongside new loan signing Piero Hincapie. Midfield stalwart Declan Rice came off the bench during the Forest game, after likely being rested for the Champions League game coming up on Tuesday evening.

Cristhian Mosquera impressed as he replaced William Saliba in defence after he picked up an ankle injury. The Frenchman could be back earlier than expected after returning to training on Friday, with the Premier League match coming just a bit too soon.

Discussing Saliba and White's fitness ahead of the Forest game, Arteta said: "Willy trained today so we’ll have a decision to make whether we play him or not, very good news. The rest [trained] as usual, and Ben White as well, Ben’s OK."

The French centre-half would typically be one of the first names on the teamsheet for Arteta, but the manager is likely to have one eye on Arsenal's all-important showdown with Manchester City on Sunday. This means it is likely that the Gunners boss will make some tactical decisions to keep his best players fit for the Premier League, while trying to manage a win with a team not at full strength.

It's likely, then, that Mosquera will keep his starting position against Athletic Club on Tuesday, even if Saliba is confirmed as available for the European opener. Odegaard isn't looking like he will be ready for Tuesday's game, so Arteta will potentially rely on Zubimendi to fill the Norwegian's position alongside Mikel Merino and Declan Rice.

Playing both Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze could be a recipe for disaster in terms of potential injuries, which may mean that 15-year-old Max Dowman could break yet another record by becoming the youngest Champions League player ever.

However, it's highly unlikely that Dowman will receive the nod over Madueke, given his recent stellar performances as a Gunner and internationally for England.

The back line of Jurrien Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori will likely remain the same to keep some consistency within the squad, and Gyokeres will be eager to continue his goalscoring form in another competition for the Gunners.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Bilbao, Arteta said: "I'm now preparing to win in Bilbao which is going to be incredible. I hope you all go because it's one of the best places to go, north of Spain, that's where I'm from. I think you're going to enjoy it guys and an incredible stadium atmosphere to play football."

Reflecting on the impact of his new summer signings, the manager added: "I have no question in terms of what we want and dressing room and feeling part of that or the support that we're going to have from our people, no question. But then things have to click and go well for you in the first instances.

"We have tried to create the right environment for them and the quality is there. I'm very glad that's so early already. You can see that they're going to add so much value to the team."

So, while much of Arteta's side tends to pick itself, the Spaniard will likely rotate a few players in and out to ensure he has the best chance of making it two wins from two against Athletic Club and City.

For us, Odegaard drops out with his shoulder injury, leaving space for Rice to return to the XI. Madueke and Eze maintain their starting spots along with Mosquera despite all three potentially not making the cut, with Arteta's injury woes forcing his hand.

Arsenal predicted XI vs Athletic Club

(4-3-3) Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Merino; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze.