Arsenal travel to Molineux on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 (8pm GMT) with Mikel Arteta facing a key tactical decision over Bukayo Saka’s role against Wolves.
With Martin Ødegaard ruled out due to a knee problem and Kai Havertz still sidelined, Arteta must decide whether to deploy Saka centrally again after his impressive showing in the No10 role during the 4-0 FA Cup win over Wigan.
Arsenal team news vs Wolves
Ødegaard and Havertz are both expected to target a return for the north London derby on Sunday, but this fixture comes too soon. That opens the door for Saka to continue in midfield, a role Arteta has hinted could become more frequent.
Riccardo Calafiori, who withdrew during the warm-up against Wigan, has since trained and is available. Ben White also remains in contention despite experiencing late hamstring tightness in the cup victory.
“He did a lot in the game and by the end of it he was feeling a bit of tightness in the hamstring, but he's fine,” Arteta confirmed.
Mikel Merino remains unavailable, while youngster Max Dowman is a doubt.
Bukayo Saka midfield decision looms
Saka’s central display at the weekend added creativity between the lines and allowed Noni Madueke to retain the right-wing position. Madueke has scored three goals in his last five appearances and offers direct running from wide areas.
Alternatively, Arteta could keep Saka on the flank and hand Eberechi Eze another opportunity as No10. Eze produced two assists against Wigan after being substituted early against Brentford in the previous league outing.
Having followed Arsenal’s recent attacking adjustments, the balance between width and central control has been crucial. However, it remains too early to confirm whether Saka’s midfield experiment will become permanent.
Viktor Gyökeres, with six goals in his last ten matches, is expected to start ahead of Gabriel Jesus as the focal point.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1)
Raya
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié
Zubimendi, Rice
Saka, Eze, Trossard
Gyökeres
Injured: Ødegaard, Havertz, Merino
Doubts: Dowman
Key Insights
- Ødegaard and Havertz miss Wolves trip.
- Saka impressed in central role vs Wigan.
- Calafiori and White available after minor concerns.
- Gyökeres in strong scoring form.
- Arsenal aiming to maintain title pressure.
What’s Next
Arsenal’s immediate priority is securing three points to maintain momentum ahead of Sunday’s derby against Tottenham.
Much will depend on whether Arteta opts for continuity with Saka centrally or restores him to the wing. A positive result at Molineux would keep pressure on the league leaders heading into a decisive run of fixtures.
Will Saka’s midfield role become a tactical evolution or remain a short-term solution?
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