Arsenal vs Manchester City: Team News and Injury Updates
Arsenal is gearing up for a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday, and the team seems to be in relatively good shape in terms of injuries. Following their Champions League opener against Atalanta where they managed a 0-0 draw, the Gunners did not pick up any fresh injury concerns.
In a press conference on Friday morning, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the team’s fitness, stating, “Not really. Straight away after the match – recover, sleep, eat well and everybody is looking forward to the match [on Sunday].”
Despite Arteta’s positive update, Arsenal will still be without five key first-team players for the showdown at the Etihad Stadium. One notable absence is Martin Odegaard, the influential captain who is set to be sidelined for an extended period due to an ankle injury sustained while on international duty with Norway earlier in the month.
In Odegaard’s absence, Kai Havertz stepped into the midfield position against Atalanta and is expected to retain his spot for the upcoming match against Manchester City. The defensive line, which has been performing admirably in recent games, is likely to remain unchanged, providing a sturdy foundation for the team.
However, Arteta faces a dilemma in the midfield area, particularly concerning Thomas Partey’s performance in the Champions League match. Partey struggled, conceding a penalty that led to a remarkable double save by David Raya before being substituted for Jorginho before the hour mark. Gabriel Jesus also had a challenging night and was replaced by Leandro Trossard early in the second half.
Predicted Lineup
Based on recent performances and the injury situation, the predicted Arsenal XI for the clash against Manchester City is as follows:
– Goalkeeper: Raya
– Defenders: White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber
– Midfielders: Havertz, Partey, Rice
– Forwards: Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Injured Players
The following players are unavailable for selection due to injuries:
– Merino (shoulder)
– Odegaard (ankle)
– Tierney (hamstring)
– Tomiyasu (knee)
– Zinchenko (calf)
With a mix of experienced and youthful talent, Arsenal will look to overcome the absence of key players and put up a strong performance against Manchester City in what promises to be a challenging encounter.
Stay tuned for updates on the match lineup and any further injury developments as the game approaches. The clash between Arsenal and Manchester City is set to be broadcast on Sky Sports, providing fans with the opportunity to witness the action live.
