Overview
- Mikel Arteta’s side top the Champions League league-phase table with 15 points from five games and a victory in Bruges would secure progression to the Round of 16.
- Arsenal’s availability list has grown, with Declan Rice ruled out through illness and Leandro Trossard sidelined by a calf issue, while several defenders remain injured or doubtful.
- Gabriel Jesus has made the trip after a long knee layoff and could feature from the bench, as Gabriel Martinelli targets a fifth consecutive Champions League match with a goal.
- Reports indicate Arteta is set to rotate, with youngsters and fringe players such as Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Nørgaard, Ethan Nwaneri, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres touted for starts.
- Club Brugge have just replaced manager Nicky Hayen with Ivan Leko and face a goalkeeping shortage, with Simon Mignolet a doubt and Nordin Jackers injured, leaving Dani van den Heuvel expected to start.