Arsenal could welcome back three crucial players for the decisive Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday. The Gunners have had an up-and-down international break but now attention turns fully towards trying to boost their title hopes in the best possible way.
Pep Guardiola’s side have an imperious record over Mikel Arteta in recent years but already this season there have been hints of the tide swinging the other way. With so much at stake, it is vital to have as many key players available and Arteta still has the chance to be near fully fit despite some big worries.
City themselves will be lacking after both Kyle Walker and John Stones were ruled out. Kevin De Bruyne may also be sidelined but Ederson and Manuel Akanji are fit to play. It leaves Arsenal with perhaps their best chance of getting a result at the Etihad Stadium in recent memory.
Here, football.london has the latest from the Gunners treatment room.
Bukayo Saka
Injury: Muscle.
The winger withdrew from the England squad but football.london understands that was a precautionary measure. The forward didn’t take part in a training session with the Three Lions before returning to London Colney.
What Arteta has said: “Yeah there is a chance. They haven’t trained. Tomorrow [Saturday] we have another session, so there is a chance they can be available.”
Potential return date: Manchester City (A) – March 31.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta provides update on Saka, Martinelli and Gabriel availability vs Man City
READ MORE: Manchester City get massive double injury blow vs Arsenal as key duo ruled out but one returns
Jurrien Timber
Injury: Knee
The defender has missed the majority of the season with an ACL injury. His programme is being managed carefully as he continues his recovery.
He spent some of the break back in Amsterdam and is now stepping up his integration into the squad. If he doesn’t suffer any additional setbacks then he will be available to feature during the run-in.
What has been said: “Jurrien is not close enough to be part of the squad on Monday,” Arteta said in February. “He’s in a really good place, and now we have to manage the last bit of a difficult and complicated injury.”
Potential return date: Unknown.
Gabriel Martinelli
Injury: Foot.
Martinelli has missed the last two matches with a foot injury and was spotted on crutches prior to the Premier League match vs Brentford. It is unclear how long the injury may keep him out for.
football.london understands that reports of him missing the rest of the season are wide of the mark.
What Arteta has said: “Yeah there is a chance. They haven’t trained. Tomorrow [Saturday] we have another session, so there is a chance they can be available.”
Potential return date: Manchester City (A) – March 31.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Injury: Achilles.
The Brazilian withdrew from international duty with Brazil in order to rest an Achilles problem that he has been managing for the last few weeks. It is thought that his withdrawal was just precautionary.
The club were in close dialogue with the Brazil camp before withdrawing him.
What Arteta has said: “Yeah there is a chance. They haven’t trained. Tomorrow [Saturday] we have another session, so there is a chance they can be available.”
Potential return date: Manchester City (A) – March 31.
Thomas Partey
The Ghanaian received a late call-up from his national side but elected to remain in north London instead after planning not to travel. He was involved in a behind-closed-doors game against Queens Park Rangers on Thursday alongside a group of younger.
He finally got back into match action a few weeks before the final international break of the season. He is now building fitness for the rest of the campaign.
injury: N/A.
Return date: Returned.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Tomiyasu hasn’t played in 2024 due to injury and his appearance at the Asia Cup. He returned to the bench for the Champions League second-leg tie against Porto. He was also present in the team that were well beaten by QPR.
injury: N/A.
Return date: Returned.
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
