ARSENAL INJURY NEWS AND EXPECTED RETURN DATES INCLUDING BUKAYO SAKA AND GABRIEL MARTINELLI

Arsenal will recommence their season knowing they have another shot at Premier League glory.

If they want to end a two decade wait for the title though they'll need all their big hitters available to Mikel Arteta, who is looking to emulate Arsene Wenger as the only other man to lead the Gunners to glory in the Premier League era.

Arsenal went into the international break on top, albeit narrowly. They hold a goal difference advantage over Liverpool with Manchester City just a point behind. They could open up some daylight between them and the champions when they face off at the Etihad on Sunday.

The north Londoners have had to deal with injury woes this term, as have every club, with Mirror Football giving the lowdown on who is nursing a fitness issue and when they expect to return.

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal fans will have been fearing the worst when their talismanic winger pulled out of the England squad before their recent friendlies. The Three Lions confirmed in a statement that Saka had “reported to St George's Park with an injury and was unable to participate in training”.

Saka has since returned to north London for treatment but it is understood that the 22-year-old is only dealing with a minor muscle issue and his England exit was only a “precaution”. He remains in contention to play this weekend.

Gabriel

The centre-half, like Saka and Martinelli, withdrew from international duty. Reports claim his decision was more of a precaution than anything serious with Gabriel reportedly dealing with a foot problem. The defender, who has largely been an ever present for Arsenal, is now in a race against time to be ready for the City showdown.

Gabriel Martinelli

Arteta has given little away regarding his Brazilian winger, but it was surprising when he was called up for his national side, albeit Martinelli was quick to withdraw. The attacker was spotted on crutches at the Emirates when Arsenal beat Brentford several weeks ago.

The 22-year-old suffered a cut on his foot in the recent 6-0 Premier League win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane and his manager did say he was "pretty positive" before the Bees outings, albeit he's not said much since.

Thomas Partey

Partey is in contention to feature against City this weekend. He was an unused substitute for the Porto win in the Champions League and, along with Takehiro Tomiyasu, played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against QPR on Thursday.

He did sit out Ghana’s recent internationals as he looks to force his way back into the fold. Partey was a regular for the Gunners last term but has been dislodged with Declan Rice now their major influence in the middle of the pitch.

Jurrien Timber

The summer signing limped off on his debut in the first game of the season but has made his return to first-team training following his serious knee injury. Timber's versatility at the back has been missed with Arteta barely able to utilise his new arrivals.

Football.London have reported that there is a chance the Dutchman could be involved against City. If he doesn't featured then he is expected to play a role in the final weeks of the season - which is timely.

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2024-03-28T10:09:31Z dg43tfdfdgfd