Arsenal injury update ahead of Manchester City match | OneFootball

Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City, Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference that there are no fresh injury concerns following the Champions League draw with Atalanta.

However, Arsenal still face several significant injury issues that could affect their lineup.

Norway’s midfielder #10 Martin Odegaard and Austria’s defender #15 Philipp Lienhart vie for the ball during the UEFA Nations League, League B, Group B3 football match Norway vs Austria at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, Norway on September 9, 2024. (Photo by Terje Pedersen / NTB / AFP) / Norway OUT (Photo by TERJE PEDERSEN/NTB/AFP via Getty Images)

Martin Odegaard remains sidelined with an ankle injury sustained on international duty. The Arsenal captain is expected to return in November, missing key matches in September and October. Arteta acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We’re going to lose him for a while – hopefully not months, but let’s see.” Full update here.

Oleksandr Zinchenko is also dealing with a calf injury picked up during the international break. Zinchenko was absent from the squad against Tottenham and Atalanta, and his return date remains unclear.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring during the penalty kick shootout against AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Mikel Merino, the summer signing from Real Sociedad, is recovering from a fractured shoulder sustained in training before making his debut.

The injury is expected to keep him out until mid-October, missing more crucial fixtures, including Sunday’s clash. “It’s better, but it’s a slow process because it’s a bone injury, and it takes time to heal,” Arteta said the last time he was asked about it.

Mikel Merino wearing a sling in the stands during Arsenal’s match against Brighton (Photo via TNT Sports)

Takehiro Tomiyasu, meanwhile, continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained during pre-season.

More than a few weeks ago, Arteta said that Tomiyasu’s return would take “weeks,” leaving Arsenal short of another defensive option in the immediate future. When he will return is anyone’s guess at this point.

Arsenal’s Japanese defender #18 Takehiro Tomiyasu (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring their fifth goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Kieran Tierney, who has been out since June with a hamstring injury sustained during Euro 2024, has resumed individual training.

Tierney’s expected return is set for late September or early October, with hopes that he could rejoin full training soon.

Kieran Tierney back in training with Arsenal (Photo via Tierney on Instagram)

While Arsenal’s injury list remains lengthy, Arteta expressed confidence in his team’s adaptability. “Straight after the Atalanta match, we need to recover, sleep, eat well, and everyone is looking forward to the match. We know what it means, we know what we’re fighting for, and it’s a great opportunity for the team to show what we’re capable of,” Arteta said.

As Arsenal face off against Manchester City, who are grappling with their own injury challenges, including the absence of Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake, Arteta stressed the importance of being mentally and physically prepared for the challenge ahead.

Arsenal face daunting task against Manchester City with history against them

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Kevin De Bruyne and Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City react during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and FC Internazionale Milano at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

As Arsenal head into their Premier League showdown with Manchester City, the historical context reveals a difficult challenge, if that wasn’t already clear without it. Arsenal haven’t won at the Etihad since January 2015, with a streak of nine matches without victory in the blue half of Manchester.

Their sole goal in the last six visits came in a 4-1 defeat in April 2023, and that was scored by Rob Holding!

However, Arsenal’s solid defensive performance last season will offer some encouragement. They managed to keep a clean sheet in both league meetings with City, a significant improvement after conceding in their previous 16 encounters.

Manchester City’s English midfielder Jack Grealish (L) vies with Arsenal’s English midfielder Bukayo Saka (R) during the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Manchester City are aiming to extend their impressive home record. They are unbeaten in 47 home matches across all competitions and have won 13 consecutive Premier League games, but all records must come to an end one day. Pep Guardiola’s side could also make history by becoming the first team in English top-flight history to win their opening five matches for five consecutive seasons.

Arsenal, though, have been equally strong on the road. The Gunners have won six consecutive Premier League away games and kept clean sheets in nine of their last 10 away fixtures.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Erling Haaland of Manchester City interacts with Gabriel of Arsenal following the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on March 31, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Individually, Erling Haaland remains a key threat for City, having scored nine goals in the first four games of the season— a feat last achieved in the top flight in 1951. His consistency could prove pivotal in Sunday’s match, with the striker seeking to extend his multiple-goal run to four consecutive games.

For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka could make history by becoming the first player since Thierry Henry in the 2004-05 season to provide an assist in each of the first five Premier League matches of the campaign.

Both teams are managing their own injury concerns, and this sets up a fiercely contested battle at the Etihad. Arsenal will need to overturn their poor run against City and build on their defensive resilience, while Guardiola’s men aim to maintain their dominance on home soil.