Mikel Arteta has to revert to a more traditional Arsenal team and start Gabriel Magalhaes today in wake of Thomas Partey’s injury.
It has now been confirmed by credible sources that Partey will play no part in the game against Manchester United today.
Reports do still conflict on the length of the injury, something that will become clearer over time.
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But it now seems an obvious decision to reinstate Gabriel back into the Arsenal team.
The 25-year-old has been on the bench for Arsenal’s previous two games but is now needed once again.
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And his return arguably should have happened regardless of Partey’s injury.
But with that now confirmed Mikel Arteta should return Ben White to right back allowing for a more familiar back four.
Oleksandr Zinchenko should also return and today’s back four should look like the one we saw for much of last season.
White, William Saliba, Gabriel and Zinchenko were so effective for Arteta’s side, particularly in big games, and a return seems like a no-brainer today.
Arteta needs to start Gabriel for Arsenal today after Partey’s injury
Moreover, this back four could also allow Kai Havertz to thrive in Arsenal’s midfield.
Zinchenko acting as an inverted full-back behind Havertz should allow the German to find himself in much more advanced roles.
And although it is possible Havertz doesn’t start today, he was poor against Fulham, it would be good to see Arteta keep faith.
A Thomas Partey injury has previously been so disruptive to Arsenal’s plans – they haven’t been able to cope without him.
But with Declan Rice now on board the side can still go into today’s game full of optimism.
And although Arteta could well have a surprise up sleeve with his team selection, a more obvious eleven would look well suited for today.
Arsenal Insider’s preferred XI to face Manchester United:
Ramsdale; Zinchenko, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Rice, Havertz, Odegaard; Martinelli, Nketiah, Saka.