arsenal People on social media were stunned Mikel Arteta Appointed Christian Norgaard as central defender for the match club bruges exist uefa champions league. Many believe the former Brentford star should play in midfield, leaving Ricardo Calafiore in defence.

Mikel Arteta remains confident of David Raya’s goal, but there are some changes at the back. Ben Weir and Hincapie retained their spots, with Jurien Timber out and Norgaard taking his place, while Myles Lewis-Skelly started at left back.

Martin Zubermendi is again in the central role, with Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard providing support in midfield. Noni Marduk and Gabriel Martinelli served as wingers, with Victor Jakres leading the attack.

Arteta’s decision to start Norgaard at centre-back surprised many fans, who posted:

Gabriel Jesus entered the squad after Mikel Arteta replaced Max Dauman. The Arsenal coach said at the pre-match press conference:

“Yeah, so first of all, Max (Dauman) unfortunately got injured last weekend and had to come off. So he had some scans and he’s going to be out for a few weeks and then we saw what happened with Gabi (Jesus) and we expected him to be training with us until the end of December. Gabi is working hard every day and he keeps telling everyone ‘I’ll be early, early, early’ and he’s done that.”

“So thanks to his work and all the work the medical staff have done these months, it was possible for us to make an exchange there and we have done that. Yes, on the one hand you see Max and the situation and on the other hand you see the joy and happiness of Gabi returning to the Champions League.”

Arsenal top the Champions League table and are the only unbeaten team in the competition.

Mikel Arteta worried about Arsenal’s injury problems

Mikel Arteta admits he is concerned about Arsenal’s growing injury list. The head coach said Gabriel and Christian Mosquera will miss several weeks, while Dauman will also miss a few games. He said:

“Yeah, a big one. I mean, losing Max again, it’s obviously not ideal for Leo who just came back and we have to manage playing time. Willie is still not there. We don’t have Big Gabby and we have other players who can only play certain minutes. Like Risi (Calafiore) the other day. But this is a situation we’ve been managing since the beginning of the season. We’re in December, so it’s been almost five months and it’s been an extraordinary way and we’re going to continue it.”

Jurien Wood and Declan Rice are also not in the squad for today’s game against Club Brugge.