Arsenal can keep faith in midfielder Mikel Merino as a central striker even with Victor Djukeris and Gabriel Jesus returning from injury.
No Arsenal player has scored more goals than Merino in 2025, with the Spain international scoring an own goal. Brentford on Wednesday.
President Mikel Arteta admits Merino Offers Up top means he remains an option despite Gyokeris and Jesus returning to fitness.
“I think he deserves to at least be in the thinking behind it in terms of the way he performs and the impact he brings to the team, so that’s a yes,” Arteta said.
“And playing together, these are the things we prepared for over the summer because of the team we have, and so far we haven’t been able to.”
Arsenal are hoping Declan Rice can shake off the calf injury he suffered against Brentford in time to face Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime.
Christian Mosquera is a doubt due to an ankle problem while fellow defender Gabriel is still out with a thigh injury.
Villa rose to third place in the table after four consecutive victories under the leadership of former Arsenal coach Unai Emery.
Arteta added: “Well, for what they do, the way they play and win games, the team is certainly in great shape and we know that.”
“Obviously we know the coach and the great job he’s done there as well. So we know the test is tomorrow – but we always think it’s an opportunity.”
An early win would send a message to the chasing group, as second-placed Manchester City will face surprise Sunderland, and fourth-placed Chelsea will travel to Bournemouth.
“Every time you win a match, it’s clear you get a little closer to your goal and that’s the only thing we can do,” the Spaniard said.
“We have to focus on the performance and prepare well for tomorrow. We know what kind of game we will play and we are preparing to achieve our potential.”
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2025-12-05 11:03:00
