Following a short and unexpected absence, Arsenal will return to the European stage tonight when they take on FC Zurich to kickstart their Europa League campaign. The match is the first of four games the club will play within the space of 12 days, meaning Mikel Arteta has little choice but to rotate his squad to avoid injuries and fatigue over the next couple of weeks.
The Arsenal boss is already without Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Cedric and Reiss Nelson, so there will be an added emphasis on protecting his players as much as possible in an attempt to avoid further shortages. However, it does provide an opportunity for those who have perhaps been lacking minutes so far this season and Arteta hopes squad depth can help deal with the injury setbacks.
"We don’t have that many players available, unfortunately, with injuries we’ve picked up in the last two weeks," he said. "This is a competition that we want to take very seriously, against an opponent that is going to make life difficult for us. We want to start the competition the right way and maintain our momentum."
So with all of that in mind, football.london picks out the four Arsenal players supporters should keep an eye on during tonight's clash in Switzerland.
READ MORE: The eight Arsenal changes Mikel Arteta must make vs FC Zurich as busy fixture schedule commences
Fabio Vieira
Signed from FC Porto this summer for around £34million, the Portuguese playmaker only made his first team debut at the weekend after recovering from an injury during pre-season.
Vieira's fifteen-minute cameo at Old Trafford left fans impressed and Arteta believes there is more to come from the 22-year-old. "It’s a shame that we detected an injury when we were doing the medical. He had no pre-season and everything has been delayed, but hopefully you’re going to see a lot more of him in the next few weeks, and I’m sure that you’ll enjoy it."
Capable of playing as a No.8, No.10 and No.7, Vieira was one of the most dangerous players in the Primeira Liga last season, scoring seven goals and providing 16 assists in 39 appearances.
Marquinhos
Another summer arrival who is expected to play a part in tonight's match is Marquinhos, who joined from Brazilian side Sao Paulo.
Described as a talented yet raw player, those at Arsenal recognise the potential that they are dealing with and it is perhaps part of the reason why the 19-year-old remained at the club despite a loan move being considered.
After impressing in first-team training as well as scoring three goals and providing one assist for the U21s, there's a sense of excitement and relief to see what Marquinhos can bring to the table, especially with Bukayo Saka in desperate need of rest.
Matt Turner
The final summer signing to make the list is goalkeeper Matt Turner, who finds himself behind Aaron Ramsdale following his move from MLS side New England Revolution.
Named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021, Turner has previously shown the quality that he possesses between the sticks, but it is games like this one in which the 28-year-old must prove he has what it takes to battle Ramsdale for that starting spot under Arteta.
Despite making a slight blunder against FC Nurnberg in pre-season, Turner will be hoping to turn heads with a solid display should he make his first competitive start for the Gunners tonight.
Matt Smith
Last but not least is Under-21s captain, Matt Smith. Described as a composed central midfielder with an eye for a pass, the 21-year-old is no stranger to the first-team setup having trained with the squad on a number of occasions.
Smith has also been named on the first-team bench seven times, including in the 2020 FA Cup final against Chelsea. After racking up 29 G/A contributions in 74 appearances at Under-18s and Under-21s level, the youngster is edging ever closer to making his senior debut.
There's no guarantee that will come tonight, but you get the sense that it's only a matter of time after being named in Arsenal's Europa League squad.
It's also worth adding that several other Arsenal youngsters have travelled out to Switzerland with the first team, including Lino Sousa and Amario Cozier-Duberry. However, they were not included in the squad which was published on UEFA's website.
READ NEXT:
Nketiah starts, Marquinhos makes debut, Sousa involved - Arsenal predicted XI vs FC Zurich
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Emile Smith Rowe injury, Bend Leno's comments and Thomas Tuchel
Mikel Arteta drops hint on 4 Arsenal youth stars' debuts with training decision ahead of Zurich
5 things spotted from Arsenal training: Marquinhos starts with Bukayo Saka pre-match drill
Mikel Arteta confirms active transfer role that helped Edu complete £34m Arsenal signing
