Thomas Partey posts early Arsenal team news hint for Bayern Munich as key decision awaits Arteta

Mikel Arteta is facing a number of huge decisions for Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich. The Gunners head into the first leg of their European tie in fine form after beating Brighton in the Premier League, with other results seeing them remain at the top of the table.

Preparations in Germany meanwhile, could not have gone much worse with Bayern surrendering a two-goal lead against FC Heidenheim. Despite their inconsistencies, the Bavarians have a number of elite-level players and they will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to Arsenal and Arteta is firmly aware of that.

Ahead of the clash, he said: "Top team. I’m a big fan, big admirer of Thomas [Tuchel], his teams, the way they setup and play, what they transmit. I’ve learned a lot about him and looking at Bayern, when you analyse them deeply, you see why they’re a top team. We’ve prepared very well and we have to take our game where we want it. If we do that we have a chance to win."

This past weekend, Declan Rice, Jorginho, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus all returned to the starting XI after being rested in the win over Luton Town earlier in the week. Saka entered the clash on the south coast as a major doubt however he featured for just over an hour before being subbed off by Arteta.

In terms of injuries, Bayern are set to be without Sacha Boey and Bouna Sarr, however Manuel Neuer has been included in the squad despite picking up a knee injury over the March international break. Given the importance of the clash, Arteta tinkering with his team seems unlikely, however he may opt for a change in midfield.

In previous months, Jorginho has struggled to complete 90 minutes on consecutive occasions in the space of a few days which could result in Partey coming in. The Ghana international played 67 minutes against Luton with that arriving as his first start in nearly eight months.

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With that in mind, Partey has hinted at his involvement in this evening's clash by posting a pre-match graphic promoting the Bayern game. The 30-year-old is yet to feature in the Champions League this season but his fresh legs and experience could prove valuable in midfield alongside Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Kai Havertz continuing up top seems a certainty with Saka and Gabriel Martinelli deployed out wide. In defence, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jakub Kiwior are the favoured back four with David Raya in between the sticks.