Arsenal predicted XI v Dinamo Zagreb as £45m man drops out and Ethan Nwaneri decision made

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Arsenal will look to take a step closer to the last 16 of the Champions League when they host Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night.

The Gunners have suffered a downturn in form domestically in recent weeks and relinquished a two-goal lead to Aston Villa to draw 2-2 last time out.

However, Arsenal now have the opportunity to put their domestic woes to one side when they take on the reigning Croatian champions.

TBR Football looks at who Mikel Arteta could name in the Arsenal starting XI for Zagreb’s trip to the Emirates Stadium.

READ MORE: Explaining the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League system as Arsenal and Aston Villa aim to progress with Liverpool

Arsenal team news v Dinamo Zagreb

Arsenal have welcomed Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori back to training, with Arteta confirming they are both available for the game.

However, the game comes too early for William Saliba, who suffered a hamstring injury in the North London derby.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus remain long-term absentees, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both still out with knee injuries.

Thomas Partey could be dropped for Arsenal v Dinamo Zagreb

David Raya is likely to start in between the sticks, but then Arteta has some thinking to do with regards to his defence.

Thomas Partey struggled at right-back against Aston Villa so Arteta may opt to reinstate Jurrien Timber in that position and give the £45million man a rest.

With Saliba still absent, Arsenal could opt for Jakub Kiwior at centre-back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back to give Myles Lewis-Skelly a rest.

Martin Odegaard’s creativity is crucial and so he’s likely to feature, but Declan Rice could be given a break with Jorginho taking his place.

Ethan Nwaneri’s return is timely but we reckon he’ll be rested initially before coming off the bench.

As for the front line, Gabriel Martinelli could be rested with Raheem Sterling taking his place on the right, while Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard could keep their places.

Arsenal predicted XI v Dinamo Zagreb (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Merino; Sterling, Havertz, Trossard