Three Arsenal Stars Misses Training Ahead of City Showdown – Arteta in Panic Mode

Arsenal Stars in Race Against Time for Crucial City Clash

Arsenal’s top performers face a fitness fight ahead of their critical Premier League match against Manchester City this weekend.

Key Trio Missing From Training

According to Metro reports, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Magalhaes were all absent from today’s training session, raising concerns about their availability for the Etihad showdown. All three players have been battling injuries recently.

Saka, Arsenal’s leading scorer, missed England’s Euro 2024 warm-up matches due to an Achilles issue. Martinelli, who scored the winner against City in October, withdrew from Brazil’s squad with a foot injury. Gabriel also pulled out of the Brazil squad due to fitness concerns.

Sports Buddy earlier reported that Mikel Arteta is facing a race against time for some of his key men ahead of his title decider clash.

Arteta Offers Hope Despite Missing Players

Despite the absent players, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic. He suggested at his pre-match press conference that all three have a “chance” of featuring. A win for the Gunners would solidify their top spot in the Premier League.

Training Ground Update: Partey and Tomiyasu Nearing Return

While Saka, Martinelli, and Gabriel were missing, there were positive signs for other Arsenal players. Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu participated in training, nearing their return from injuries. Partey played an hour in a friendly last week, and Tomiyasu got 45 minutes.

City Dealing With Injuries As Well

Arsenal’s opponents, Manchester City, also have their own injury woes. Defensive duo John Stones and Kyle Walker are both ruled out. Stones picked up a muscle issue playing for England, and Walker injured his hamstring in the same international break.

However, City manager Pep Guardiola reported positive news on other players. Manuel Akanji is fit to play after recovering from a knock, and Kevin De Bruyne is making progress toward a return from a groin injury.

Top-of-the-Table Clash With High Stakes

With both teams dealing with injuries, the upcoming match promises to be a tense battle for the top spot in the Premier League. Arsenal can extend their lead to four points with a win, while Liverpool, currently tied on points with the gunners, will be hoping for a City defeat as they face Brighton.