Arteta to make two changes vs Fulham as £48m Arsenal star returns to starting XI…

Arteta is set to implement two changes against Fulham as the £48m Arsenal star returns to the starting lineup – opinion

Arsenal is gearing up for their Premier League match against Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow.

In preparation for the London derby, manager Mikel Arteta may opt for a couple of adjustments from the 2-0 victory over West Ham United.

Martin Odegaard was in the starting lineup against the Hammers prior to the October international break.

He sustained a medial cruciate ligament injury during the first half and was substituted by Martin Zubimendi in the 30th minute.

The club captain has now been ruled out for several weeks and is unlikely to return until after the November international break.

With Odegaard unavailable, Arteta faces a straightforward decision to reinstate Zubimendi in the midfield against Fulham.

Zubimendi was seen observing yesterday’s training session from the sidelines alongside sporting director Andrea Berta.

He did not seem to have sustained an injury during international duty, and it appears that his absence was more of a precautionary measure.

Zubimendi played a crucial role in both goals scored against the Hammers and should be included in the starting XI if he is fit.

In addition to Odegaard, Leandro Trossard might be the other player to be replaced in the starting lineup.

Trossard has been a starter for the last three league matches on the left wing for the north London club, but he has not contributed directly to any goals.

There is a possibility of a switch with Gabriel Martinelli, who excelled against Fulham’s right-back Timothy Castagne at the Emirates Stadium in April.

Martinelli completed two successful dribbles and consistently outpaced the Belgian defender. He concluded his performance with an assist for the second goal (2-1 win).

The £48 million-rated player has netted four goals and provided an assist in his last seven appearances for both club and country.

It seems like an obvious choice to start him on the left wing instead of Trossard against Fulham.