Arsenal and Athletic Bilbao will lock horns in their UEFA Champions League opener on Tuesday at San Mamés in Bilbao.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is determined to improve on last season’s semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Reflecting on the painful loss, Arteta emphasised the team’s internal belief and consistent high-level performance throughout the tournament, expressing a desire to use the experience as a catalyst for change.
Arsenal’s historical best in the competition was as runners-up to Barcelona in 2006, and Arteta views the current campaign as an opportunity to rewrite the club’s European legacy.
However, Arsenal will be without several key players for this match.
Captain Martin Ødegaard is sidelined due to a shoulder injury sustained during the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
He was substituted after just 17 minutes in that Premier League match, and the club has opted to leave him at home as a precaution.
In addition to Ødegaard, fellow absentees include Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz.
Arsenal team list
1. Raya
10 Eberechi Eze
14 V. Gyokeres
20 N. Madueke
41. D. Rice
36 Zubimendi
23 Merino
33 Calafiori
6. Meghalles
3. Mosquera
12. Timber
Athletic Bilbao team list
1. U. Simon
2. Gorosabel
3. Vivian
4. Paredes
19. Boiro
6. Vesga
18. Jauregizar
9. Williams
8. Sancet
23 Navarro
7. Berenguer