Arsenal handed major injury boost for Wolves clash - but two key stars ruled out
Arsenal handed major injury boost for Wolves clash - but two key stars ruled out
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William Saliba is back in the Arsenal XI to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux - but midfielders Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino have been ruled out. The French defender missed the Gunners' last two matches, including the Premier League draw with Aston Villa last time out. Mikel Arteta's side surrendered a two-goal lead against Villa, with Saliba's absence keenly felt.
But he was confirmed as one of five changes for Arsenal as they take on struggling Wolves in the Black Country. Saliba was picked alongside regular partner Gabriel Magalhaes, who was also given the captain's armband. That's because usual skipper Odegaard missed out on the trip with Illness, with fellow midfielder Merino also not named in the matchday squad. “Martin was ill this morning and we had to send him back - he was nowhere near fit to play. Mikel as well, because he got a knock and couldn’t make it yesterday for training," Arteta explained.
There was more good news for Arteta though, with Ethan Nwaneri fit enough to start while Myles Lewis-Skelly was restored at left back. Lewis-Skelly missed the win over Dinamo Zagreb after failing to finish training on Tuesday, but was fit enough to start.
For their opponents, Matheus Cunha remains in Vitor Pereira's lineup, with the club adamant their talisman will remain with them for the rest of the season. The Brazilian has been the highlight of another wise poor season for Wolves, with his 10 goals helping to keep his side in the battle for Premier League survival.
