Arsenal weighing rotation as Mikel Arteta prepares for Napoli Champions League test

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is considering how much to rotate his squad for Wednesday night’s Champions League opener against Napoli in Naples, with several players pushing for a place in the starting line-up.

The Gunners have significant strength in depth, giving Arteta the opportunity to make changes without substantially weakening his team for the opening league-phase fixture.

Martin Zubimendi is a possible replacement for Bruno Guimaraes in midfield. Guimaraes missed Arsenal’s match against Chelsea after suffering a knock, and Arteta must decide whether to restore him or introduce Zubimendi from the start.

Eberechi Eze is also in contention for a starting role, while Viktor Gyokeres could make his first start of the season. His inclusion would allow Arteta to manage Kai Havertz’s workload as Arsenal begin a demanding Champions League campaign.

The defensive selection is less straightforward because of a series of fitness concerns.

William Saliba remains unavailable with a back problem, while Jurrien Timber has not played so far this term but is approaching a return to action. Cristhian Mosquera is another doubt after sustaining a muscle issue.

Ezri Konsa is expected to start alongside Gabriel, as he did in the game against Chelsea. With those positions seemingly settled, left-back appears to be the most likely area for a change.

Riccardo Calafiori has made an encouraging start to the season, but Arsenal are expected to manage his playing time because of his previous injury record. That could create an opportunity for Piero Hincapie, who was the only defender named among the substitutes against Chelsea.

Arteta’s decisions will come as Arsenal seek to improve on last season’s Champions League campaign and go one step further this time. They won all eight of their league-phase matches and completed the competition’s 90 minutes unbeaten before losing the final to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.

The north London club will now attempt to finish the job, beginning with a difficult away assignment against Napoli.

Arsenal’s squad depth gives Arteta several ways to refresh the side, particularly in midfield and attack. The greater challenge is likely to come in defence, where injuries and concerns over player workload have reduced his options.

The final line-up will also indicate how Arteta is balancing the need to make a strong start in Europe with the demands placed on a squad already competing on multiple fronts.

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