Arsenal announces Champions League squad with Martinelli’s new number
- Kieran Tierney has been included in Arsenal's Champions League squad despite an injury that kept him from transferring.
- The squad will remain unchanged for the group stage, with options to add players before knockout rounds.
- Gabriel Martinelli has received a new squad number, reflecting changes in the team as they prepare for the tournament.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal's squad for the Champions League, aiming for a better performance than last season when they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Bayern Munich. Among the notable inclusions is Kieran Tierney, who was expected to leave the club but remained due to a hamstring injury sustained during Euro 2024. His recovery is a priority for the team as the transfer window has closed, limiting their options for changes. The squad will remain intact for the group stage, with the possibility of adding three players to the A-list before the knockout rounds. Additionally, an unlimited number of players can be added to the B-list if they meet specific criteria. Young talent Ethan Nwaneri is anticipated to be included in the B-list, while injured midfielder Mikel Merino is also expected to return in October. In a surprising development, Gabriel Martinelli has been assigned a new squad number, taking over the number 10 shirt previously worn by Emile Smith Rowe, who transferred to Fulham this summer. This change reflects the ongoing adjustments within the team as they prepare for the upcoming Champions League campaign. As Arsenal gears up for the tournament, Arteta's focus will be on maximizing the potential of his squad, particularly with the inclusion of players like Tierney, who will need to recover fully to contribute effectively. The team's performance in the Champions League will be closely watched as they seek to advance beyond the quarter-finals this season.