Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is poised to have nearly his entire squad available for selection as they prepare to face FC Porto in the crucial Champions League last-16 second leg. Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat in the first leg played in Portugal, Arteta’s side enters the match with confidence, having lost just one game in 2024 and securing victories in all eight of their Premier League fixtures thus far.
The return of key players, including Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, and Fabio Vieira, has bolstered Arsenal’s lineup, with their significant contributions evident in the recent 6-0 victory against Sheffield United. Additionally, Oleksandr Zinchenko made a successful comeback as a substitute in the match against Brentford, while Takehiro Tomiyasu has resumed training alongside his teammates.
However, Arsenal will be without the services of Gabriel Martinelli, who was spotted wearing a protective boot and walking on crutches after a recent game, indicating his absence from the upcoming fixture against FC Porto.
Arteta will have a plethora of options to choose from for his squad, with goalkeepers David Raya, Aaron Ramsdale, and Karl Hein providing depth in defense, midfield, and attack. The inclusion of players like Jorginho, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka underscores the team’s versatility and strength across all areas of the pitch.
As Arsenal gears up for a crucial Champions League encounter, the availability of almost their entire squad signals their determination to overturn the deficit against FC Porto and advance to the next stage of the competition.