Bukayo Saka injury return, key position change – Mikel Arteta’s strongest Arsenal XI after March international break

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The international break has come at a good time for Arsenal as they look to regather themselves before the final push of the season.

The Gunners have two months of action left ahead of them, with just a few chances at silverware left available.

For Mikel Arteta and his side, their best shot is likely to come in the Champions League, where a quarter-final against Real Madrid awaits them.

There is still a top-four place in the Premier League up for grabs too, with the title appearing just out of reach at this moment in time.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	29	21	7	1	69	27	42	70
2	ArsenalArsenal	29	16	10	3	53	24	29	58

With over two weeks between games, Arsenal could see some changes in their team when it comes to their return to action.

So with that said, here’s a look at the strongest Arsenal XI coming out of the international break.

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Goalkeeper – David Raya

David Raya is the guaranteed first-choice goalkeeper, with it being unlikely any other shot-stopper at Arsenal could take his place.

RB – Jurrien Timber

Perhaps Arsenal’s player of the season, Jurrien Timber has excelled in the backline since returning from last season’s injury-disrupted campaign.

The defender has been capable of playing anywhere in the backline, but his place at right-back seems solid, even with Ben White’s return.

RCB – William Saliba

No questions over the backline, with William Saliba likely to retain his space at right centre-back for Arsenal.

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LCB – Gabriel Magalhaes

Much like Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes is a guaranteed starter at centre-back, with the star likely to keep his place.

LB – Myles Lewis-Skelly

Left-back is a position that has plenty of competition at Arsenal, but so far it has been a place for Myles Lewis-Skelly to shine.

While the Hale End academy star may want to move to a midfield role in the future, he is certainly impressing at left-back.

RCM – Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey has been a reliable option so far this season for Arsenal, featuring regularly compared to other campaigns.

The Ghanaian international had previously struggled with fitness but has been called upon often so far and could add plenty more for the side.

LCM – Declan Rice

Partnering Partey in midfield should be Declan Rice, who has been back and forth between defence and attack.

The Arsenal record-signing has been in imperious form and could be key to the upcoming run for the side.

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RW – Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka is set to return from injury soon, which will come as a huge boost to Arsenal for the rest of the season.

While Ethan Nwaneri has played well in his breakout campaign, the consistency shown by Saka would place him higher in the pecking order.

CAM – Martin Odegaard

Arsenal club captain Martin Odegaard has struggled at times this season and while Nwaneri could compete with him for the attacking midfield position, it will most likely be the Norway international’s role to lose.

LW – Leandro Trossard

With options light in the current team, Leandro Trossard could feature back on the left wing, dependent on other changes.

The Belgian international has also struggled for some form at times this season, but could show his best form once again.

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ST – Gabriel Martinelli

The return of Gabriel Martinelli has seen him as sharp as ever, so a change to the striker role could suit him well.

The Brazilian has played as a centre-forward before and could take the position from Mikel Merino for some big clashes.

There are several other options not named, with the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino who can all still make an impact.