A thorough examination of Arsenal's Premier League title credentials awaits on Sunday, when the Gunners head north to pit their wits against reigning champions Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta's men have won each of their first eight top-flight games of 2024, including a hard-fought 2-1 success over Brentford before edging out Porto on penalties to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
Thanks to Liverpool and Man City sharing the spoils at Anfield, Arsenal arrive at the Etihad sitting pretty at the top of the pile, one point better off than the champions and above the Reds courtesy of their superior goal difference.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their crunch clash with Man City, who booked their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals by beating Newcastle United just before the international break.
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Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Foot
Possible return date: March 31 (vs. Man City)
Gabriel Martinelli has spent almost a month on the sidelines with the painful cut to the foot he sustained against Sheffield United at the start of March. The winger is one of three key men who did not train on Friday, but there is a "chance" that he will be passed fit for the weekend.
© Reuters
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: March 31 (vs. Man City)
Bukayo Saka arrived for England duty nursing a hamstring complaint and was therefore sent home, but he is in the same boat as Martinelli and is pushing to be ready for the trip to the Etihad.
© Reuters
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Achilles
Possible return date: March 31 (vs. Man City)
Gabriel Magalhaes completed the trifecta of Arsenal's international withdrawals this month, pulling out of the Brazil squad with an apparent Achilles issue, and he is in the exact same position as the Gunners' aforementioned attackers.
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Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown
Jurrien Timber is gradually increasing his workload in training as he enters the final stages of his ACL recovery, but the Easter Sunday showdown will come too soon for the Dutchman to make his long-awaited return.
ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST
Arsenal have no players suspended for this match.
Ben Knapton
