Arsenal will have Martin Odegaard available again for their Champions League showdown against Inter Milan tonight but Declan Rice will miss out.
After defeat away to Newcastle United on Saturday, the Gunners face another challenging week on the road, in Italy this evening before Sunday’s trip to Chelsea.
Odegaard has not played for the Gunners since the 1-1 draw with Brighton at the end of August, suffering a ‘significant ankle ligament injury’ while on international duty with Norway.
With Arsenal in desperate need of a creative spark in midfield, Odegaard is in contention to make his return in Milan having been included in the squad that travelled over from London.
As one key midfielder returns, another drops out, however. Rice has not made the trip to Italy with Mikel Arteta confirming on Tuesday a knock suffered in that defeat to Newcastle has sidelined the England international.
He will undergo further assessment back in the capital with Rice now in a race to be fit in time for the weekend trip to Stamford Bridge.
Gabriel Magalhaes took his place at the heart of defence alongside William Saliba at St James’ Park on Saturday despite fears over a knee problem.
Arteta’s injury concerns at the back are easing, although Riccardo Calafiori is expected to remain unavailable with Takehiro Tomiyasu still working his way back from a knee problem.
Thomas Partey has deputised at right-back in Arsenal’s last two league games while options at the back have been short but Ben White could return after coming off the bench following a recent knock at the weekend.
Calafiori has not played since the last Champions League game (Picture: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal have taken seven points from a possible nine in the Champions League this season without conceding a goal, beating Paris Saint-Germain and Shakhtar Donetsk at home after being held to a goalless draw away to Atalanta.
Inter began their campaign with an impressive goalless draw at Manchester City, beating Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys. Like the Gunners, they are still to concede in Europe this season.
How Arsenal could line up on Wednesday night…
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Inter
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Saka, Merino, Jorginho, Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard
Where to watch Inter vs Arsenal? Kick-off time and TV channel
Inter vs Arsenal kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday, 6 November.
Live coverage is available on TNT Sports 1, with a live stream available on the Discovery+ app.
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