Arteta confirms Arsenal sweating on three stars' fitness ahead of Man City clash

29 March 2024 , 14:03

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Both Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes are doubts (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are all yet to resume training with just over 48 hours until Arsenal's huge clash with Manchester City.

Saka pulled out of England duty before either of the Three Lions' friendly matches, while Gabriel also missed both of Brazil's fixtures. Meanwhile, Martinelli hasn't featured since the 6-0 hammering of Sheffield United on March 4.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of Sunday's game at home to Man City, Arsenal boss Arteta revealed: "Yeah there is a chance [all three could play]. They haven't trained. Tomorrow we have another session, but there is a chance they can be available."

Meanwhile, City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that key defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones - who were both injured while playing for England - won't feature at the Etihad Stadium. There is, however, good news for the reigning champions on their goalkeeper.

"Ederson is much, much better, but Kyle and John are out," Guardiola told reporters. "It is what it is. For Kyle, it will be more tougher than John [in terms of recovery], but I don't now for how many games he will be out."

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Given that multiple Premier League teams like Arsenal and City have suffered injury blows over the March international break, Arteta was asked about potential changes to the football calendar to avoid such issues. "I think that in general, the whole calendar has to be looked at because there are a lot of games," the Gunners boss replied. "It doesn't look like we're going to affect [it]."

Arteta added on his club's relationship with international sides: "We try to have the best possible communication with the national team, but at the end, they have the capacity to select the players and use them how they feel. I always feel that they have the priority to protect the players."

Your turn! Who'll win - Arsenal or Man City? Give us your score prediction in the comments section.

Bukayo Saka left the England camp early (Julian Finney/Getty Images)

As for Sunday's game - which could see Arsenal go four points clear of City with nine games to go, or end up two points behind them - Arteta affirmed: "It's a massive game for both teams. It will give us a huge boost again if we go there and win it. Still there is a long way after to make the ground to win it."

Nathan Ridley