Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in contention to face Manchester City
Arsenal have been handed a huge boost ahead of Sunday’s huge match against Manchester City, with both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in contention to feature. Saka has trained and is in line to play while Martinelli is also in contention to make the matchday squad, according to reports.
Saka In Line To Play
The Brazilian has been sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up in last month’s win over Everton while Saka was forced to limp out of Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Lens. Martinelli has missed Arsenal’s last six matches and there were fears Saka could also face a spell on the sidelines.
But an initial scan on Wednesday suggested the England international’s latest knock was not a serious one and a second scan showed no sign of serious injury, with the 22-year-old passed fit to face City at the Emirates on Sunday.
According to the Daily Mail, Saka also took a full part in training on Saturday and came through the session unscathed.
Martinelli A Doubt
Asked about the fitness and availability of Saka at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta said: ‘Well, he is in contention. We’ll see how he progresses from here to Sunday. Obviously he had to leave the pitch [against RC Lens], that’s never good news, but let’s see how he recovers.’
Although Saka has suffered several injury knocks this season already he is unlikely to get any respite during the international break, having been called up by England manager Gareth Southgate.
Asked if he would speak to the Three Lions boss about managing Saka’s workload and minutes, Arteta replied: ‘I have spoken to Gareth on several occasions but I have to do my job. I give him the news and the position that everybody is at, and then we have really good communication. He needs to make the best decision for the national team and organising them.’
Arsenal Looking For Big Win
While Arsenal overcame Manchester City in the Community Shield earlier this year, they have not won a league game against the champions since December 2015. Victory for the Gunners would see them leapfrog City in the Premier League table, while a two-goal margin would ensure they leapfrog north London rivals Spurs and head into the international break in top spot.
Conclusion
With both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in contention to feature against Manchester City on Sunday, Arsenal have been handed a huge boost ahead of the huge match. Saka has trained and is in line to play while Martinelli is also in contention to make the matchday squad, according to reports. Victory for the Gunners would see them leapfrog City in the Premier League table, while a two-goal margin would ensure they leapfrog north London rivals Spurs and head into the international break in top spot.