Mikel Arteta has explained his decision to start Calum Chambers against Liverpool this evening.
The Gunners return from the international break with a huge game in their bid to qualify for Europe via the Premier League, facing Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
Both sides were looking up at the European places heading into tonight's clash, and neither can afford many slip-ups between now and the end of the season if they want to ensure European football next season.
Though, both have the chance to secure qualification through Europe with Arsenal still in the Europa League and Liverpool in with a shout of winning the Champions League.
The Premier League will be the preferred option for both clubs, however, making tonight's game pivotal, and ahead of the fixture, Arsenal were dealt an injury blow with the likes of Bukayo Saka, David Luiz and Granit Xhaka missing out through injury.
And there was an interesting selection in the form of defender Chambers, who impressed last time out but is still yet to convince many Gunners' fans.
Discussing the injuries and the decision to play Chambers, Arteta told Sky Sports: "It can happen after the international break, it can happen at any point of the season. You need to try and be as competitive as we always want to be and that’s it, don’t try to find any excuses.
“He’s (Chambers) been really pushing, he’s been really good in training, he was really good when we played West Ham and that’s why he is starting.”
Chambers had only made two Premier League appearances heading into tonight's clash when he will be tasked with helping to keep a dangerous Liverpool frontline, featuring the likes of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, quiet.
