Slavia Prague vs Arsenal preview: How to watch, predicted lineups, score prediction & injury updates

Arsenal Team News vs Slavia Prague

The phrase is ‘dropping like flies’, right?

Such a scenario is taking place in north London with injuries and absentees galore risking an already sizable task reaching unforeseen Goliath-like stature.

Starting in defence it appears as if Kieran Tierney has played his final game this season barring an almighty comeback, although there is no reason whatsoever to rush him back for Brighton at home on the final day. Reach the Europa League final and we’ll revisit that.

He’s joined by David Luiz is being absent, with Arteta left to ponder over who should partner Rob Holding and who should fill in at left-back.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1381567787840249856

There is a risk that Bukayo Saka will be eliminated from that conversation with the full extent of his thigh injury not revealed. Early indications are that it was just a dead leg, but he’s still doubtful for Thursday’s clash.

Arteta is without his two No. 10’s with Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard not due to recover from their respective injuries in time, meaning the Gunners could be without their three main creators the biggest game of the season.

Lastly there is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is expected to have recovered from ‘flu’ to be available for selection. Gabriel Martinelli is also in good health.

As for the hosts, they rested numerous first team players for their confidence boosting victory over rivals Sparta Prague, although there is some uncertainty over whether many were out due to fitness issues or otherwise.

Doubts remains over Simon Deli, Peter Olayinka and Abdallah Sima, and although Olyanika is thought to have just been rested for Thursday, Sima is touch and go. However, centre-back Ondrej Kudela is definitely out having failed to recover from a facial injury, and Deli is also doubtful having contracted COVID-19.