Arsenal’s Lineup vs. Fulham: Arteta Takes No Risks with Bukayo Saka

Gunners Prioritize Caution Ahead of Champions League Showdown

Arsenal return to Premier League action against Fulham on Tuesday night, but one of their biggest stars will have to wait a little longer for his full return. Despite Bukayo Saka’s recovery from a hamstring injury, Mikel Arteta has opted for a cautious approach, naming the winger on the bench instead of the starting XI.

Saka has been sidelined since December, missing Arsenal’s last 12 league matches. During that period, the Gunners dropped 11 crucial points, significantly harming their Premier League title ambitions, even as Liverpool struggled to pull away at the top. While injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli further weakened the squad, it was Saka’s absence that was felt the most.

Now fully fit, Saka has been eager to return, with Arteta even admitting that the club had to hold him back to prevent any risk of a setback. However, with a crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid on the horizon, Arsenal’s medical team has decided to manage his minutes carefully.

Arsenal’s Starting XI vs. Fulham: A Surprise Inclusion

Attacking Choices: Nwaneri Gets the Nod

Instead of rushing Saka back into action, Arteta has chosen to give another opportunity to young sensation Ethan Nwaneri. The 18-year-old has been in impressive form, recently scoring for England’s U21s during the international break. With 15 goals for club and country this season, Nwaneri has outscored Saka and proved he is ready to take on a bigger role.

With Martinelli starting on the left wing and Mikel Merino continuing as a makeshift striker, Nwaneri is expected to bring energy and directness to Arsenal’s attack from the right. Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling are also available as attacking options from the bench.

Midfield & Defense: Stability Over Experimentation

Arsenal’s midfield remains unchanged, with captain Martin Ødegaard providing creativity, Declan Rice adding balance, and Thomas Partey offering defensive cover. In defense, Arteta sticks with Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, while David Raya continues in goal.

Champions League Over Premier League?

With Arsenal effectively out of the Premier League title race and almost guaranteed a top-four finish, their focus is shifting towards the Champions League. The Gunners have never won Europe’s biggest prize, but with Real Madrid visiting the Emirates in just a week, Arteta knows he needs his strongest squad available for the two-legged battle.

Could this be the season Arsenal finally conquer Europe? And was Arteta right to bench Saka against Fulham?