Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says that Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel have a “chance” at being fit for his side’s trip to Manchester City on Sunday.
The Athletic previously reported that Saka, 22, had withdrawn from the England squad as a precaution after reporting to St George’s Park with an injury.
Martinelli, 22, withdrew from the Brazil squad due to a foot injury sustained during the 6-0 victory over Sheffield United on March 4, while Gabriel, 26, also withdrew from the Brazil squad as a precaution.
However, despite the trio not training this week, they could still feature at the Etihad this weekend with Arteta saying: “There is a chance. They haven’t trained, but tomorrow we have another session so there is a chance they can be available.”
Manchester City vs Arsenal could help decide the Premier League title race – The Athletic will keep you covered ahead of one of the games of the season.
The injury update is a boost for Arsenal as they attempt to secure their first victory over City at the Etihad since 2015.
Saka, who missed Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over City in October due to an injury, is his side’s top scorer and assist provider this campaign with 16 goals and 13 assists in 37 appearances.
Martinelli, who scored the winning goal during the victory over Pep Guardiola’s side at Emirates Stadium earlier in the campaign, has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 32 appearances this season, while defender
Aside from a period at the start of the season where he came off the bench in two of Arsenal’s three league games, Gabriel has largely been an ever-present for the north London side, helping Arsenal concede 24 goals this season, the fewest in the division.
A win over Man City would see league leaders Arsenal open up a four-point advantage over Guardiola’s third-placed side. Liverpool, who are second in the table, face Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield hours before Arsenal and City meet at the Etihad on Sunday.
Guardiola confirmed on Friday that City defenders John Stones and Kyle Walker will miss the game through injury.
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