Mikel Arteta will have fewer options to call upon from his bench on Thursday evening as his Arsenal side face off against PSV Eindhoven in a key Europa League group-stage clash. The Gunners can guarantee top spot in Group A should they avoid defeat against their Dutch opposition.
It comes just one week after they managed a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium as Granit Xhaka's strike proved to be the difference in the game. Top spot is important since changes in the European rules, meaning second place in the Europa League must now face an extra game against the sides dropping from the Champions League.
Given the fact a side can now skip another game against some tough opposition means it's all to play for, which Arteta mentioned in his pre-match press conference. He told reporters: "This competition is getting harder and harder and I think, as you mentioned, how it looks today and what the possibilities are it looks like the next round is going to be extremely competitive, that's why finishing first in the group and avoiding another two games is such an important thing for us."
READ MORE: Why PSV were handed UEFA ticket ban and fine ahead of Arsenal Europa League clash
With the Spaniard and his squad already making the trip to the Netherlands for their game, there are few options at his disposal for if there are changes to be made late on. Something has already triggered that though as goalkeeper Matt Turner is not involved in the squad.
The USMNT international won't be available due to a tight groin, an issue that the club didn't want to risk further with his involvement in the game. A new player hasn't been called up to take his place in the squad, meaning there will be one less substitute for Arteta to call upon while Aaron Ramsdale starts in goal.
They will be hoping he can get through the game without any complications while Karl Hein is the backup option should the England international make way.
READ NEXT:
Every Arsenal Europa League permutation with chance to benefit from major UEFA rule change
Mikel Arteta transfer decision justified as ex-Arsenal man suffers Sadio Mane embarrassment
What happened between Gabriel and Jordan Henderson during Arsenal vs Liverpool explained
Arsenal line-ups vs PSV Eindhoven as Gabriel Jesus starts, no Tierney and youngster handed debut
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
