Arsenal injuries pile-up ahead of City clash

ARSENAL and boss Mikel Arteta have been left sweating over the fitness of several key players as they prepare for a top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City.

Bukayo Saka is one of several stars to withdraw from international duty with a trip to the Etihad coming up on Sunday.

Saka pulled out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium as he nurses an injury.

An England statement confirmed that the winger had been unable to participate in training after missing Wednesday’s session, though his absence is thought to be a precautionary measure.

Football.London claim that Saka is struggling with a minor muscle problem and after returning to Arsenal to continue rehabilitation, remains a doubt to face City.

Though he has been a very durable player in Arteta’s time at the club and knowing how much is on the line at the Etihad, will be pushing to start.

In a similar situation to Saka, Gabriel also pulled out of his national team squad and did not make the short trip to Wembley for Saturday’s 1-0 win over England.

The centreback has been dealing with an Achilles injury that has been managed in recent weeks.

He has thrived alongside William Saliba this season and will be a pivotal part of the plan to stop Erling Haaland and company. Fortunately for Arsenal, Gabriel was also withdrawn from the Brazil setup as a precaution.

Gabriel Martinelli missed wins over Brentford and Porto before the international break and worryingly was spotted on crutches after facing the Bees.

Arteta provided a curious update amid the optics of Martinelli’s issue as he described himself as “pretty positive” about the winger.

Thomas Partey was called up to the Ghana national team but declined the opportunity in order to work on his fitness.

The 30-year-old has spent the majority of the season out injured but marked his return with substitute appearances against Sheffield United and Brentford.

Both Partey and Takehiro Tomiasyu played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against QPR during the international break and the duo, although unlikely to start against City, can provide huge boosts to the squad should they be able to prove their fitness for the run-in. – Express Newspapers