Mikel Arteta’s next 3 moves could decide Arsenal’s Champions League fate

Despite the fact it feels as though Arsenal's season is falling apart quicker than ever, they still have plenty to play for. Saturday's defeat to Bournemouth has really shattered all belief and confidence among the fanbase, but even a draw at the Etihad on Sunday would keep their destiny in their own hands when it comes to the Premier League title race.

In the meantime, the Gunners are on the cusp of reaching just a fourth Champions League semi-final, after 2006, 2009 and last season. Kai Havertz's stoppage time winner at Estádio José Alvalade a week ago means they require a draw when Sporting CP visit North London on Wednesday to progress. When winning the first leg away, Arsenal have progressed through 17 of their 18 European ties to date. However, Gooners are still ultra-concerned, partially due to their list of absentees.

Arsenal players who missed open training on Tuesday 14 April

Declan Rice: Most recent appearance vs Bournemouth 11 April.

Bukayo Saka: Most recent appearance vs Manchester City 22 March.

Martin Ødegaard: Most recent appearance vs Sporting CP 7 April.

Jurriën Timber: Most recent appearance vs Everton 14 March.

Riccardo Calafiori: Most recent appearance vs Sporting CP 7 April.

Five of Arsenal's absolute bona fide guaranteed starters are all major doubts for Wednesday's crucial second leg against the Primeira Liga champions. Declan Riced picked up a knock at the weekend, the severity of which is not yet known, while both Martin Ødegaard and Riccardo Calafiori started in Lisbon last mid-week, but missed Saturday's defeat.

There is even more concern surrounding the availability of Jurriën Timber and Bukayo Saka, amid some speculation that the latter may not be seen again this season. In true Arteta fashion, he did not give anything away in his press conference, stating that one of Calafiori, Timber, Ødegaard or Saka "might" be available. Assuming all five key figures are out, here are the three biggest selection decisions he must make.

Myles Lewis-Skelly must start instead of Piero Hincapié

In a surprise move against Bournemouth, Myles Lewis-Skelly got the nod at left-back, starting a Premier League match for the first time since 27 December, having not featured at all in the previous ten fixtures. On an otherwise disastrous afternoon, the teenager was generally impressive, completing 26 of his 29 passes, of which 14 were in the attacking half.

Of course, Lewis-Skelly is not nearly as defensively solid as Piero Hincapié, so recalling the Ecuadorian would be the more conservative choice, hence why this is what Arteta should go for at the Etihad. Against Sporting however, seemingly without Rice or Ødegaard, the Gunners primary issue on Saturday was an inability to play through midfield; players were scattered about in a doughnut formation unable to get up the pitch as Andoni Iraola's team pressed high. While he was part of the problem, Lewis-Skelly is Arsenal's best bet to be part of the solution so, if they want to have any semblance of control in possession, he must keep his place.

Christian Nørgaard and Eberechi Eze to come in

If Rice misses out, could the lesser-spotted Christian Nørgaard enjoy a rare start? Arteta is short of central midfield options right now, with Mikel Merino having been sidelined since January. Meantime, there are calls to take Martín Zubimendi out of the firing line as his form continues to plateau, but that surely won't be feasible without Rice. When Sporting come to town, will Nørgaard be alongside?

The Danish international has seen just 56 minutes in the Premier League this season, which is less than Tommy Watson, Alex Tóth, Ezra Mayers, Lorenzo Lucca, Oliver Sonne and 477 players in total; if you know who any of those players play for, you deserve some sort of prize! Nørgaard though has been somewhat more of a regular in other competitions, starting against Slavia Prague, Club Brugge and Kairat during the league phase.

More recently, he saw 147 minutes of Denmark's World Cup play-offs and was in Arsenal's lineup at Southampton ten days ago, so should not be overly rusty. It is clear that Arteta does not trust the 32 year old, but he may have no choice.

Further forward, everyone in attendance will be praying that Eberechi Eze is fit to start. Ødegaard makes such a difference but, without him, it is a must that Eze is given license to roam. In the end, the Gunners swatted aside Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16, but only because an Eze rocket broke the deadlock, and he is seemingly a rare squad member capable of a moment of inspiration.

Kai Havertz over Viktor Gyökeres in attack

As Arteta seeks balance, should he push Kai Havertz up front? Viktor Gyökeres scored 97 goals during two seasons at Sporting, but is yet to truly find his best form since moving to North London. The Swede's spot-kick on Saturday took his tally to 18 goals for the campaign, but it does not feel as though he has established much cohesion with teammates.

Havertz, meanwhile, is the ultimate cohesion player, getting the best out of those around him, which might just be what Noni Madueke, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and others require right now. The German also showcased his quality in front of goal in Lisbon a week ago, expertly controlling Martinelli's lofted pass before calmly slotting past Rui Silva. Against Man City on Sunday, Havertz appears the obvious choice at centre-forward, so this should be tested against Sporting beforehand.

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