Arsenal’s preparations for their crucial encounter with Manchester City have been thrown into disarray as key players face injury setbacks, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with mounting concerns.
Leading scorer Bukayo Saka has been forced to withdraw from the England camp due to an undisclosed injury, returning to Arsenal for rehabilitation. With 13 Premier League goals this season, Saka’s absence could significantly impact Arsenal’s attacking threat against their title rivals.
Adding to Arsenal’s woes, center-back Gabriel Magalhaes has been sidelined from the Brazilian national team after sustaining a suspected swollen Achilles tendon injury in their Champions League clash against FC Porto. His absence leaves a void in Arsenal’s defense, further complicating Arteta’s team selection.
Winger Gabriel Martinelli, who impressed in Arsenal’s recent victory over Sheffield United but suffered a deep cut on his leg in the process, remains sidelined. His absence for the past two games has been noticeable, depriving Arsenal of his pace and creativity on the wing.
While there is hope for a timely recovery for these key players, Arteta faces an anxious wait as he prepares to lead his team into battle at the Etihad Stadium, where Arsenal last tasted victory in 2015. The memories of that triumph, with goals from Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud, remain distant as Arteta seeks his first win at the ground, now facing formidable opposition under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. Arsenal’s hopes of securing a positive result against Manchester City hinge on the fitness of their pivotal trio, as Arteta navigates through this challenging period with the title race intensifying.
