Mikel Arteta provides update on Saka, Martinelli and Gabriel availability vs Man City

Mikel Arteta has provided the latest on Gabriel Martinelli's fitness ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash with Manchester City this weekend. The Brazilian has been absent since hobbling out of Arsenal's 6-0 victory over Sheffield United earlier this month.

At the time the injury was described as a minor cut to the foot, but Martinelli went on to miss matches with Brentford and Porto. After the Champions League victory over Porto the 22-year-old was spotted walking through the mixed zone on crutches and subsequently pulled out of the Brazil squad over the international break. Reports had suggested that he could be out for the season, but these are understood to be incorrect, football.london understands.

Martinelli is not the only potential doubt for Sunday's match. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes both withdrew from international duty over the break due to respective muscle and Achilles problems. Now though Arteta has moved to suggest that all three could be available in a huge boost for Arsenal.

«Yeah there is a chance,» when asked if the trio could play this weekend. «They haven’t trained. Tomorrow we have another session, but there is a chance they can be available.»

The Gunners' opponents this weekend have already been dealt an injury blow with Kyle Walker and John Stones ruled out of action. Pep Guardiola confirmed the duo would miss the clash against Arsenal, though added that a number of players were back in training.

«Ederson is much better,» the City boss told reporters about his squad's fitness. «Kyle and John are out.» Ederson missed City's last game before the break following an injury picked up against Liverpool in the 1-1 draw at Anfield earlier this month.

«It has been a tough season for [Kevin De Bruyne]