Mikel Arteta is set to face Manchester City on Sunday without several key Arsenal players.
Ahead of the trip to the Etihad Stadium, Arteta emphasized the need for a full team effort to challenge the Premier League champions. Arsenal drew 0-0 at the Etihad last season, and with a strong performance, they could have taken all three points, making this fixture highly anticipated.
Gabriel Jesus, recently recovered from a groin injury, could start against his former club. If Jesus plays, Kai Havertz might be moved into midfield to cover for Martin Odegaard, who is expected to miss the game due to an injury. When asked about Jesus’ role, Arteta said, “Like everyone else, he needs to be ready and in good shape because we’ll need all hands on deck.”
Unfortunately, Arteta will be without five senior players for the match. Odegaard is the most notable absentee, facing a longer spell out. The match is also too early for Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who are all unlikely to feature, leaving Arsenal short-staffed.
Arsenal’s official website confirms that 17 senior players are fit and available for selection. As Premier League rules allow a 20-man squad, a few academy players will have to step up for the game. Ethan Nwaneri, who has been a consistent part of the squad, is expected to be included again, alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has impressed Arteta in training. The final squad spot might go to Ayden Heaven, providing additional defensive support.
Possible Arsenal squad for Man City: Raya, Neto; White, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Calafiori, Heaven; Partey, Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Havertz; Saka, Martinelli, Trossard, Sterling, Jesus.
Unavailable senior players: Odegaard (ankle), Tomiyasu (knee), Tierney (hamstring), Merino (shoulder), Zinchenko (calf).
