Arsenal have been left once again with a key set of players missing out as Mikel Merino and captain Martin Odegaard weren't available for selection against Wolves. Instead, Mikel Arteta welcomed Ethan Nwaneri back into the starting XI whilst an inexperienced bench was named.

Odegaard, who has struggled to find top form since returning from an ankle injury in November, is ill. Earlier this month he was left on the bench away to Brighton due to not feeling 100%.

Speaking prior to the game, Arteta explained: "Martin was ill this morning and we had to send him back - he was nowhere near fit to play. Mikel as well, because he got a knock and couldn't make it yesterday for training."

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Fortunately for Arsenal, both William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly were deemed fit enough to return. They both start having been absent in the midweek Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb.

Arteta had been hopeful of having the pair back. "With Myles there's nothing serious on the scan so it will be a matter of today having a meeting with the medical staff and a training session and whether it's too early or not," he said ahead of the trip to Molineux.

"With Willy it's the same. I think they'll definitely be in for next week but this week, let's see how it goes." Arsenal have a big week ahead of them with the chance to secure a place in the top eight of the Champions League and therefore a pathway directly into the last-16, as well the visit of Manchester City to follow.

Unlike in Europe, there is no room for failure in the league. Arsenal know they could end the weekend just one point above fourth if things go badly. On the flip side, beating Wolves can take them to being within one match of Liverpool, albeit having played a game extra.

Arsenal starting XI vs Wolves: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Nwaneri; Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard.