Arsenal XI vs Man City: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League

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Evening Standard

·19. September 2025

Arsenal XI vs Man City: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League

Key Gunners trio set for late fitness tests before high-profile clash at the Emirates

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Ben White will all undergo late fitness tests ahead of Arsenal’s showdown with Manchester City on Sunday.

All three players missed Tuesday’s victory over Athletic Club in the Champions League and have not been in full training this week.

“If there is a chance [that they play against City], it will be after tomorrow’s session because they haven’t done anything yet,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta of the trio on Friday. “We will have more information tomorrow.

“Everything has been modified so far for them and there are still a few things to clear. Tomorrow we will have more information as to whether they are part of the squad or not.”

If Odegaard remains out then Mikel Merino could keep his place in the Arsenal starting XI. The Spanish midfielder, along with striker Viktor Gyokeres, injured his head in the win in Bilbao, but is fit to play this weekend.

“They are fine,” Arteta said on Merino and Gyokeres. “They will be available.”

The absence of Saka would likely see Noni Madueke retain his spot in the Arsenal attack, having excelled since joining from Chelsea in the summer.

Fellow new signing Cristhian Mosquera has also performed well and it is why William Saliba, who has had an ankle injury, is not being rushed back.

Saliba was on the bench for the game in Bilbao on Tuesday night, but did not come on.

“Let’s see,” said Arteta on if the Frenchman would start this weekend. “Obviously he has been carrying an injury. He has done really well to be available for the last match.

“He is really pushing it, so we will decide tomorrow what is the best to start.”

Arsenal will definitely remain without both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus against City due to knee injuries.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze

Injured: Havertz, Jesus

Time and date: 4.30pm BST on Sunday September 21, 2025

How to watch: Sky Sports