As they get ready for a matchup with Manchester City at the top of the league, Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta are worried about the health of a number of important players. Several celebrities, including Bukayo Saka, have withdrawn from their international assignments in anticipation of Sunday’s journey to the Etihad. Here, Express Sport has examined the most recent changes and injury reports pertaining to the Gunners team.
Bukayo Saka
In order to tend to an injury, Bukayo Saka pulled out of Gareth Southgate’s team for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. The winger missed Wednesday’s practice, and an England statement revealed that he had not been able to take part in training. However, it is believed that his absence was a precaution.
Football.London reports that Saka is dealing with a slight muscular issue, according to London, and is still doubtful to play against City even after returning to Arsenal to continue his recovery. Even though Arteta has been a very reliable performer for the team, he will be competing for the starting position because he is aware of the stakes at the Etihad.
Due to an injury, Bukayo Saka was removed from the England roster.
Gabriel
Gabriel withdrew from the national team and skipped the short journey to Wembley for Saturday’s 1-0 victory over England, much like Saka did. An Achilles ailment that the centre back has been struggling with has been handled in recent weeks.
This season, he has flourished alongside William Saliba, and he will play a crucial role in the strategy to halt Erling Haaland and company. Luckily for Arsenal, Gabriel was removed as a precaution from the Brazil lineup as well.
Gabriel Martinelli
Before the international break, Gabriel Martinelli lost matches against Brentford and Porto. After the match against the Bees, he was unsettlingly seen using crutches. In the midst of Martinelli’s controversy, Arteta gave an odd update, calling himself “pretty positive” about the winger.
Additionally, he pulled out of Brazil’s team, but he has allegedly returned to training, which means Martinelli may play in the trip to City.
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey turned down a call-up to the Ghana national team in order to focus on improving his fitness at London Colney. The 30-year-old has missed much of the season due to injury, but he made his comeback by making appearances as a substitute against Brentford and Sheffield United.
Takehiro Tomiasyu and Partey participated in a private practice match against QPR over the international break. While they are unlikely to start versus City, they can both be a major asset to the team if they can demonstrate their fitness for the final stretch.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are just two of the midfield players Arteta has experimented with this season. However, with fewer than 18 months remaining on his contract, Partey will have to work hard to earn a spot in the squad.
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