No Timber, Saka replacement - Three things spotted in Arsenal training ahead of Man City clash
Mikel Arteta will be working closely with a significantly smaller Arsenal squad over the next few days. The March international break has seen the likes of David Raya, William Saliba, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, among others, head off to represent their countries.
Raya and Odegaard have already been in action for Spain and Norway respectively, with both nations suffering defeat. Saka meanwhile has returned to Arsenal as an injury precaution which means he will play no part in England's friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Having recently recovered from injuries, Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu will be using the extra time at London Colney to build up match sharpness and fitness. Away from the training pitch, some of the senior squad took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against QPR earlier this week ahead of the return of Premier League football.
A clash away to title rivals Manchester City is on the agenda for Arsenal and Arteta will be hoping all of his key players are available for the clash. With that in mind,football.london has pulled together everything spotted from the latesttraining session at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
Despite Arsenal beating Man City without Saka earlier in the season, Arteta will be desperate for his star attacker to be fit for the clash at Etihad Stadium.
The 22-year-old is not currently a doubt for the huge game, however understandable concern remains given he was deemed unable to feature for England. However, if he is to miss game through injury, the Gunners have a number of replacement options with one particularly standing out in training.
Arsenal summer transfer plans emerge as Edu targets four players amid nine possible exits
Kylian Mbappe sets transfer
Read on football.london
