Arsenal fitness boost as key duo edge closer to injury returns | OneFootball

Arsenal Receive Injury Boost Ahead of Manchester City Clash

Arsenal began their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club, but it was the sight of Viktor Gyokeres leaving the pitch with blood streaming from his head that initially unsettled supporters. Mikel Arteta, however, moved quickly to allay fears, confirming that both Gyokeres and Mikel Merino should be available for Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Manchester City.

Gyokeres patched up after brutal clash

The moment came midway through the first half. Declan Rice whipped in a teasing free kick, Gyokeres rose to meet it, but collided heavily with Gabriel. The impact left the Swedish forward requiring immediate treatment as Arsenal’s medical team stemmed the bleeding from the back of his head. He played on with heavy bandaging before being withdrawn on 64 minutes for Leandro Trossard.

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Merino also endured a head clash but managed to complete the match. Arteta struck a reassuring tone afterwards:

Substitutes deliver decisive impact

If Gyokeres and Merino’s resilience was a positive, so too was the influence of Arsenal’s bench. With the game still in the balance, Gabriel Martinelli and Trossard both found the net to underline the squad depth Arteta has been eager to build.

“Something that we always discuss is that the finishers have to impact the game, and Gabi and Leo came on to make the difference for the team,” Arteta reflected. His choice of words — “finishers” rather than substitutes — highlights a mentality shift within this Arsenal squad.

Arsenal momentum builds despite injury concerns

This victory, hard-earned as it was, sets Arsenal up for a critical week. Manchester City arrive at the Emirates on Sunday, and Arteta will want as many options available as possible given the intensity of Pep Guardiola’s side. Injuries have been a persistent narrative around Arsenal in recent seasons, yet the early signs suggest Gyokeres and Merino will not add to that list.

It is a reminder of how fine the margins can be. A bloody head bandage one night, and potentially a starting role against City the next. Arsenal, already eyeing a deeper European run and a sustained league challenge, may see this as more than just good fortune — it is resilience in its purest form.