Ryan, Gabriel and Pepe start for Arsenal against Aston Villa, Auba on the bench
Mat Ryan, Gabriel and Nicolas Pepe will start for Arsenal in their Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The Australian goalkeeper will make his debut for the Gunners after recovering from a muscular injury. He will deputise for Bernd Leno who is serving a three-game ban after being sent off in the North London side’s 2-1 defeat to Wolves at Molineux. Iceland international Alex Runarsson is on the bench.
Gabriel returns to the side after being on the bench for the last few games due to David Luiz’s impressive form and partnership with Rob Holding. The former Lille defender started the majority of Arsenal’s games in the first four months of the season but contracted the coronavirus and missed out on a few games.
After making a full recovery, he found it difficult to return to the starting eleven due to the strong form of Pablo Mari, Rob Holding and Luiz.
He steps into the side to fill in for Luiz who is serving a one-match ban after getting sent off in the Gunners’ defeat to Wolves. Mari returns to the matchday squad after recovering from an injury.
Nicolas Pepe retains his place in the team after impressing again in the defeat to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and finding the back of the net. He is currently keeping club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of the team. The Gabon international has to make do with a place on the bench.
