Arsenal hopeful over Saka, Martinelli and Gabriel injuries as five others managed for Man City
With the international break now over, Arsenal's attention turns to their top of the table clash with Manchester City. The Gunners players will report back from their respective nations on Thursday before training begins for Sunday's showdown with Pep Guardiola's men.
Arsenal's recent record at the Etihad Stadium is appalling. The Gunners have managed just one point there in the league since 2015 and have lost the four games they have played away to City under Mikel Arteta by an aggregate score of 14-1.
Having put together a superb run of form in 2024, however, Arsenal will be quietly confident that they can secure a result that will be pivotal to their chances of winning this season's Premier League. Their chances of doing so could depend heavily on the fitness of several key players.
Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka were all withdrawn after being called up for their respective nations over the most recent international break. Martinelli is still struggling with a foot problem that he sustained in the 6-0 win over Sheffield United, Gabriel has been managing an inflamed Achilles tendon, while Saka has a minor muscle issue.
All three are working hard in the hope of making a return for Sunday's match. Rumours had suggested that Martinelli could be out for the season due to his injury, but these are understood to be wide of the mark. Edu and the Arsenal medical team were in close dialogue with the Brazilian national team before deciding to withdraw Gabriel from the Selecao squad for friendlies against England and Spain.
Saka, meanwhile, reported to England training with his muscle complaint and was initially made to train inside away from the rest of the group at St. George's Park. With the 22-year-old
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