Arsenal's injury-hit trip to Inter leaves punters weighing options: with Hincapié, Calafiori and Dowman out but Havertz available and Arsenal unbeaten in the Champions League, backing Arsenal to avoid defeat or opting for an Asian handicap (+0 / +0.5) looks sensible given rotation risks and four successive away fixtures.
Arsenal travel to Inter Milan amid injury concerns and heavy schedule
Arsenal head to San Siro for a Champions League clash with Inter Milan while managing a string of absences and a congested fixture list. The Gunners have won all six of their Champions League matches this season and sit top of their group, but recent domestic form saw them draw 0-0 at Nottingham Forest.
Team news: confirmed absentees and returns
Piero Hincapié (groin), Ricardo Calafiori (muscle) and Max Dowman (ankle) are out of the squad for the trip to Italy. Kai Havertz and Cristhian Mosquera are available and expected to be involved. Bukayo Saka missed the Forest game with a minor "niggle," adding to Arteta's selection considerations.
Arteta on rotation and fixture management
Manager Mikel Arteta stressed the importance of managing the squad as Arsenal navigate four successive away matches across different competitions. He highlighted the need to adapt and "go game by game" with key fixtures coming thick and fast. The Inter match precedes a major Premier League fixture at home to Manchester United, amplifying the rotation dilemma.
Season load and tactical implications
This trip is Arsenal's 33rd match of the season; the campaign could reach 65 games if they progress in every competition. That workload makes rotation unavoidable and could influence the team’s intensity and selection at San Siro. Arteta declined to confirm whether he would overhaul the lineup, keeping options open until after assessing the squad.
Betting implications
Arsenal's flawless Champions League record suggests confidence, but the combination of injuries and rotation increases uncertainty. Punters might favour Arsenal to avoid defeat or consider conservative Asian handicap options (+0 / +0.5) rather than large outright stakes, given the potential for a rotated XI and the grind of four consecutive away fixtures.
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Arsenal face Inter Milan in the Champions League in what will be their fourth successive away game across four different competitions and Mikel Arteta has a few injuries to contend with
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