Mikel Arteta’s Men Ready for Champions League Opener Against Atalanta
As Arsenal prepares to kick off their Champions League campaign against Atalanta on Thursday, manager Mikel Arteta will be boosted by the availability of key players Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori. The Gunners have made a strong start to the season, with their latest victory coming in the form of a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s North London derby.
In that match, Arsenal claimed all three points without the services of captain Martin Odegaard, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Midfielder Declan Rice, on the other hand, will be back in the mix after serving a one-match domestic suspension. Rice’s return is a welcome one for Arteta, as it adds depth to an already impressive squad.
Meanwhile, Calafiori has been spotted in training and appears ready to make his mark in the Champions League. The young defender will be eager to impress alongside Saka, who shook off a niggle that forced him off the pitch in the closing stages against Tottenham. With these key players available, Arteta will be confident that his side can make a positive start to their European campaign against Atalanta, the current Europa League holders.
Arsenal’s preparations for the match will have been further boosted by their dominant display against Tottenham, which showcased their clinical finishing and solid defense. As they look to continue their impressive form in the Champions League, the Gunners will be well-prepared to take on the Italian outfit and claim a positive result. With the likes of Saka, Calafiori, and Rice leading the charge, Arteta’s men will be eager to make a statement in the prestigious competition.
