Mikel Arteta will confront Manchester City on Sunday without several important Arsenal players.
Before the match at the Etihad Stadium, Arteta highlighted the necessity of a collective effort to compete against the reigning Premier League champions. Last season, Arsenal drew 0-0 at the Etihad, and with a strong performance, they could have secured all three points, adding to the excitement surrounding this match.
Gabriel Jesus, who has recently recovered from a groin injury, may start against his old team. If he plays, Kai Havertz could shift to midfield to replace Martin Odegaard, who is anticipated to miss the match due to injury. When asked about Jesus’ contribution, Arteta mentioned, “Like everyone else, he needs to be ready and in good shape because we’ll need all hands on deck.”
Unfortunately, Arteta will be missing five senior players for the game, with Odegaard being the most significant absence as he faces a longer recovery. Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are also unlikely to participate, leaving Arsenal short-handed. According to Arsenal’s official website, 17 senior players are available for selection. As Premier League regulations permit a 20-man squad, some academy players will need to step up. Ethan Nwaneri, a regular in the squad, is expected to be included, along with Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has impressed Arteta in training. The final squad position might go to Ayden Heaven, providing extra defensive options.
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).