Arsenal boost as Man City dealt huge injury blow tonight ahead of upcoming clash | OneFootball

Arsenal travel to Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on September 22 and Pep Guardiola will be sweating over the fitness of Nathan Ake.

The Netherlands international defender appeared on the verge of tears as he was stretchered off while playing in the Nations League against Germany on Tuesday night.

Arsenal could be without Martin Odegaard for the trip to Man City, but they have been handed a potential boost as the reigning champions could be without one of their key players.

Ake has only made two substitute appearances for Man City this term, coming off the bench against Manchester United in the Community Shield and against West Ham United last time out.

However, the versatile Dutchman remains a key player after featuring in 29 Premier League games last term,

Guardiola could have had plans for him ahead of the Arsenal game, given his knack for springing surprises in his line-ups for important games.

Being unable to have Ake as an option for selection would be a blow for Man City, and the Gunners could benefit from facing a weakened squad at the Etihad.

The Norwegian midfielder was pictured on crutches this morning after twisting his ankle on Monday night against Austria, while Merino still has around four weeks before returning to full fitness.