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Arsenal travel to Craven Cottage this Saturday evening for a crucial London derby, with the Gunners looking to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table despite a mounting injury crisis that continues to test Mikel Arteta’s squad depth.Predicted LineupsFulham (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Berge, Cairney; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; KingArsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Merino; Saka, Gyokeres, EzeArsenal’s Injury Crisis DeepensThe Gunners’ injury problems show no signs of easing. The Ecuadorian defender, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, has featured for just one minute since his summer arrival but Arteta confirmed he would be “available after the international break.”Declan Rice proved his fitness during the international window, starting for England against Wales and Israel despite being substituted against West Ham with a back issue.Read More: (Video) Brazilian Arsenal Star’s Intelligent Movement Against Japan Wins Over Gunners SubredditFulham’s Striker CrisisMarco Silva faces his own selection headaches, particularly in attack where both senior strikers are major doubts.
Jimenez missed Mexico’s international fixtures in hope of recovering for the Arsenal clash, but his availability remains uncertain. USA boss Mauricio Pochettino expressed hope it wasn’t serious, but Robinson’s participation on Saturday looks unlikely.Kenny Tete (knee) and Sasa Lukic (four-week absence confirmed by Serbia’s manager) are both ruled out, further limiting Silva’s options.Read More: Ranking Arsenal’s 5 previous London signings: Sol Campbell, Eberechi Eze and Declan RiceThe Ex-Arsenal ArmyFulham’s squad features three former Gunners who will relish the opportunity to prove a point against their old club.
Bernd Leno, who left Arsenal in 2022, has been in excellent form between the sticks for the Cottagers and will be desperate to frustrate his former teammates.Alex Iwobi has been one of Fulham’s standout performers this season, making eight line-breaking passes into the opposition penalty area in the Premier League—only Bruno Fernandes (9) has managed more. Their recent home encounters with Arsenal favor the hosts—winning 2-1 in December 2023 and drawing 1-1 last season.However, Arsenal’s London derby record remains formidable.