ARSENAL FACE ATHLETIC BILBAO IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OPENER WITHOUT KEY STARS

Read Time:1 Minute, 10 Second

By Aishat Momoh. O.

Arsenal will begin their UEFA Champions League campaign on Tuesday with a tough away fixture against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés.

Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to build on last season’s run to the semi-finals, where the Gunners were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain. Reflecting on that setback, Arteta stressed the importance of belief and consistency, noting that the team intends to use last season’s disappointment as motivation to chase greater success in Europe.

Arsenal’s best-ever finish in the competition was in 2006, when they lost to Barcelona in the final. Arteta believes this campaign presents a chance to “rewrite the club’s European legacy.”

However, the London side will be without several key players for their opener. Club captain Martin Ødegaard is ruled out after picking up a shoulder injury in the 3-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest, forcing him off after just 17 minutes. He has been left at home as a precaution.

Other notable absentees include Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz.

Probable Lineups

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Meghalles, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Merino; Madueke, Eze, Gyokeres.

Athletic Bilbao: Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Boiro; Vesga, Jauregizar; Williams, Sancet, Navarro; Berenguer.

The clash promises to be a high-intensity affair as both sides aim to start their Champions League campaign on a strong note.