Arsenal: Mikel Arteta facing selection headache as Noni Madueke eyes Bukayo Saka's place

The pair will be forced to fight for playing time on the right flank

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Mikel Arteta said he has a welcome selection headache on his hands with Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke both vying for minutes on the right wing this season.

Saka, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered against Leeds, will miss Arsenal’s match at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Arteta, though, isn’t sweating over the fitness of his star man after Madueke found form over the international break .

Madueke’s £52million move from Chelsea was subject to widespread criticism from fans, but Arteta reiterated that he has full faith in Madueke after he scored his first goal for England in their 5-0 demolition of Serbia.

“I'm very happy to have him. I think looking back at what he's done with the national team as well, I spoke to Thomas (Tuchel) as well, very pleased with that. He's in a really, really good moment,” Arteta said.

The Arsenal boss went on to say the 23-year-old has settled well, and he has full confidence the winger can fill the void left by Saka’s injury.

“I don't know other ways that people communicated the disagreement with that (transfer), but our supporters, they've been exceptional and rightly so because he's an unbelievable player.”

Arteta continued, admitting he hoped Madueke and Saka could provide competition for each other.

“I hope so, yeah. When they come, he (Saka) is in his best condition, and Noni the same, that's what we want.”

Arsenal had a busy summer transfer window , bringing in eight new players to bolster a squad that struggled to contend with a mounting injury list last season, and Arteta says he’s pleased with the size of his squad as they look to mount a challenge for the Premier League.

“Well, happy, because at the end, through the summer, through pre-season, there are a lot of unknowns and players that I don't really understand their role in the future.

“And at the end, we have managed to accomplish what we wanted, to take the opportunity as well to say thank you to some of the players that left us after a few years and a great contribution to the club and the team. Wish them all the very best. And now we have clarity.

“This is the squad that we have here at least until January. I'm very pleased with it.”