Arsenal drop early team news hint for RC Lens clash amid Jesus, Trossard and Martinelli decision
Mikel Arteta faces at least three important tactical decisions for Arsenal's Champions League tie with RC Lens on Wednesday evening. The French outfit head to Emirates Stadium as one of only three teams to beat the Gunners in the 2023/24 season and another victory is needed if they have any hope of qualification with PSV Eindhoven taking on Sevilla hours before the fixture in north London.
A win for the Spanish side would result in Arsenal securing qualification to the knockout stages, however if that does happen a draw will send them through with a victory confirming them as group-winners. With that in mind, Arteta could rotate his starting XI with rests for Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli certainly possible.
In the 1-0 victory over Brentford this past weekend, Leandro Trossard was utilised in midfield with Jesus returning up front and Havertz dropping to the bench alongside Jorginho. Because of his late heroics, Arteta could reward Havertz with a start in midfield with Arsenal providing a hint on that possibility.
On X (formerly Twitter), Arsenal posted a pre-match graphic with Havertz front and centre suggesting he will be in the starting line-up released at 7pm on Wednesday. That scenario taking place could result in Arteta needing to make three important decisions to strike the correct balance in midfield and attack
Trossard has impressed in the three consecutive starts handed to him this month but he would likely be the player to make way for Havertz. However, Arteta can use the Belgian international in one of the three spots in attack with Martinelli or Jesus possibly making way.
Given Jesus played 66 minutes in his first start for Arsenal in over a month against Brentford, a spot on the bench
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