Gabriel Martinelli makes his first Arsenal start in over a month in today’s Premier League showdown with Chelsea at Emirates Stadium.
Martinelli has come on as a substitute in the last two games and has boosted the forward options available to Mikel Arteta after recovering from a hamstring injury.
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Ethan Nwaneri, who was rested for Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw with PSV, remains on the bench as Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard complete the Gunners’ front three.
Raheem Sterling is not eligible face his parent club Chelsea.
Bukayo Saka is “getting closer” to making his comeback but remains sidelined.
Saka has not played for Arsenal since tearing his hamstring in December.
The winger is progressing well with his recovery and could return next month when the Gunners host Fulham after the international break.
“He’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making a very good progress I would say,” said Mikel Arteta.
“So, let’s see when we start to throw him in with the team, how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly.”
Ben White started against PSV but is still building up his fitness after undergoing knee surgery in November, so Jurrien Timber returns at right-back.
Arsenal starting lineup
Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Gabriel, Partey, Odegaard, Rice, Martinelli, Merino, Trossard.
Subs: Neto, Tierney, White, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Calafiori, Butler-Oyedeji, Nwaneri
