Arsenal are back in UEFA Champions League action on Wednesday night as they welcome Europa League holders Sevilla to the Emirates Stadium in the latest Group B clash
Sevilla have announced their squad for Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League Group B clash against Arsenal and there are three major absentees.
As confirmed via the La Liga outfit’s official website, goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, legendary defender Sergio Ramos and Argentina World Cup winner Marcos Acuna are not part of the 24-man travelling party to London, as well as Marcao and Adnan Januzaj, who have not been registered for the competition.
This is a rather significant blow to Sevilla’s chances of achieving a positive result at the Emirates Stadium especially as the aforementioned trio started the reverse fixture at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium a fortnight ago – a game where Arsenal emerged as 2-1 winners.
It’s since been confirmed the reason for the latter pair’s absences is injury-related: “Nyland and Acuna also miss out having picked up minor injuries against Celta Vigo,” a statement reads. Now in the former’s place, manager Diego Alonso has named Alberto Flores and Matias in the squad as cover for Marko Dmitrovic.
As for Ramos, he sat out the 1-1 draw at the weekend with a calf injury and the fact he will have to cheer on his teammates from home instead of starting in north London means his wish of making a speedy recovery enabling him to return against the Gunners has not been granted.
“Let’s take it one day at a time,” he said last week, as per beIN Sports. “It is true it’s not a big injury, it is a minor injury. I hope to be able to play the game but I don’t know whether it might come too soon. Let’s just take it one day at a time and let’s see how I’m able to evolve and hopefully, I would love to play.”
Now, the good news for Sevilla is former Manchester City midfielder Fernando is back after missing the Celta Vigo game and when looking closely at the 24-man squad that Alonso has named there is still plenty of experience with Ivan Rakitic, Jesus Navas and Erik Lamela.
Goalkeepers: Dmitrovic, Alberto Flores, Matias
Defenders: Jesus Navas, Gattoni, Juanlu, Bade, Kike Salas, Pedrosa, Nianzou, Gudelj
Midfielders: Fernando, Joan Jordan, Soumare, Sow, Oliver Torres, Rakitic
Forwards: Ocampos, Lamela, Lukebakio, Suso, Rafa Mir, Mariano, En-Nesyri.