Arsenal resume their Premier League charge against title rivals Manchester City on Sunday afternoon and Mikel Arteta could be handed a triple injury boost for the game. Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka were withdrawn from the international break which preceded a mouth-watering trip to the Etihad Stadium.
However, there is a chance they – along with Gabriel Martinelli – will be available for selection.
Training has been a concern for those players in the build-up but, during his pre-match press conference, Arteta outlined his plan to step up their respective comebacks in time for kick-off. Here, football.london takes a look at the London Colney treatment table with predicted return dates.
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Jurrien Timber
Injury: Knee.
Return date: TBC.
What Arteta has said: “He’s in a really good place and now we have to manage the last bit of a difficult and complicated injury.”
Gabriel Magalhaes
Injury: Achilles.
Possible return date: March 31 vs Man City (A).
What Arteta has said: “Yeah there’s a chance. They haven’t trained. [On Saturday] We have another session, so there’s a chance they can be available.”
The centre-back withdrew from international duty with Brazil last week in order to rest an Achilles injury he has been managing over recent games. However, the decision was thought to be precautionary, while Arsenal were also in close dialogue with the Brazilian national team camp before he withdrew.
Bukayo Saka
Injury: Muscular.
Possible return date: March 31 vs Man City (A).
What Arteta has said: “Yeah there’s a chance. They haven’t trained. [On Saturday] We have another session, so there’s a chance they can be available.”
Gabriel Martinelli
Injury: Foot.
Return date: TBC.
What Arteta has said: “Yeah there’s a chance. They haven’t trained. [On Saturday] We have another session, so there’s a chance they can be available.”
Martinelli has missed the last two matches with a foot injury and he was spotted on crutches before the Premier League game with Brentford this month. A timeframe for his return has not been confirmed, but football.london understands reports he will not play again this season are wide of the mark.
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