Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been compelled to alter his starting XI for the high-octane fixture against Manchester City, drafting in Riccardo Calafiori in place of Ben White.
The Italian defensive sensation is set to make his inaugural Premier League debut for the Gunners, consigning White to the bench for the first time since May 2022, interrupting his streak of starts when fit.
Speaking on the selection change, Arteta disclosed: "It was a little bit forced [to drop Ben White and start Riccardo Calafiori], but we are ok. "We've done it with different players, but we have full belief in the players we have. It gives us something different."
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White played the entire 90 minutes of Arsenal's 0-0 draw away to Atalanta in midweek Champions League action and has been a stalwart under Arteta.
He had played every single minute of the season before being left out to face City, with captain Odegaard also sidelined through an ankle injury that is set to keep him out for eight weeks.
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard.
Subs: Neto, White, Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, Kacurri, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus.
Man City: Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodrigo, Gundogan, Bernardo, Savinho, Doku, Haaland
Subs: Ortega, Carson, Stones, Kovacic, Grealish, Nunes, Foden, Lewis, McAtee
