Major double Arsenal fitness update revealed hours before Manchester City clash | OneFootball

Arsenal supporters have received a significant fitness update in the hours leading up to the Premier League battle with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.

Sunday’s meeting between Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola has been billed as one of the defining early-season clashes, with both teams expected to be in the hunt for the Premier League title come May.

The build-up has been marked by plenty of headlines from the City camp, with Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Ruben Dias all making strong statements about last season’s 5-1 defeat at Arsenal and the desire for “revenge” this time around.

Now, attention has turned to the availability of two of Arsenal’s most influential figures, with Bukayo Saka having not featured for Arsenal since being forced off with a hamstring problem during the 5-0 win over Leeds United on 23 August.

The winger’s absence has left Arteta reshuffling attacking options in recent weeks, with the Gunners still finding results but arguably missing the cutting edge of their star England forward.

Meanwhile, club captain Martin Odegaard created fresh concerns when he landed awkwardly during last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, sparking fears of a prolonged absence in midfield.

Now, according to a new update from BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, Bukayo Saka has returned to Arsenal first team training this week ahead of Sunday afternoon’s clash against Manchester City in North London.

The report states that the early indications are that the English forward could be available for selection in Arsenal’s match day squad at the Emirates Stadium, although it remains to be seen whether that means on-field action during the contest.

Elsewhere, the report further reveals that Odegaard has also stepped up his own training routine, while it remains to be seen if the Norwegian is available. The report quotes sources who insist that the midfielder may not be ready for the contest.

If either player is passed fit, it would represent a significant boost for Arteta, who has been tasked with finding a balance between consistency and adaptability in the face of injuries.

Saka’s return in particular would give Arsenal more width and threat against a Manchester City side expected to edge the contest in terms of possession, while Odegaard’s creativity and leadership are often central to the Gunners’ attacking rhythm.

For City, the news could shape Guardiola’s late tactical approach, particularly in midfield, where Rodri has already highlighted the need to impose control and starve Arsenal of opportunities in transition.

Pep Guardiola himself has also spoken this week about the improvements Arsenal have made “step by step, window by window,” acknowledging their status as genuine title rivals through big-money activity in the transfer market.

The final decision on Saka and Odegaard may ultimately come down to late fitness tests, but even their inclusion on the bench could lift the home support and provide Arsenal with crucial options.