LATEST NEWS: Man City vs Arsenal: Updated team news, expected lineup, and injury updates.
Mikel Arteta faces several major decisions regarding his midfield setup as Arsenal prepares to face Manchester City this weekend.
This week, the Gunners confirmed that Martin Odegaard is dealing with an ankle injury, which will keep the Norway international out until mid-November. As a result, Arsenal will be without their captain for several key matches, beginning with Sunday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium. In addition to Odegaard’s absence, Arteta will also be missing Mikel Merino. The Spanish midfielder sustained a shoulder injury during his first training session with the club and is not expected to return until next month.
On the positive side, Declan Rice is available once again after completing his suspension. He is likely to join Thomas Partey and Jorginho in Arsenal’s midfield for the match. Kai Havertz, who filled a deeper midfield role during Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Atalanta on Thursday, is expected to return to a more familiar attacking position against the reigning Premier League champions. Gabriel Jesus, who led the line in Bergamo, could continue in that role at the Etihad.
Raheem Sterling, who made his Arsenal debut as a substitute in the North London Derby victory over Tottenham, will be vying for a starting spot. Having scored 91 goals for Manchester City during his time there, Sterling will be eager to make an impact against his former club. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka, who was substituted with cramp against Spurs, returned to action against Atalanta, playing 73 minutes before being replaced by Sterling.
Manchester City, too, has its own midfield concerns heading into Sunday’s game. Kevin De Bruyne is expected to miss the match after being forced off at halftime during City’s midweek goalless draw with Inter Milan. De Bruyne’s suspected hamstring injury is not considered long-term, but City is taking no chances with the 33-year-old star.
Wednesday’s match against Inter also saw Rodri make his first start of the season, while Phil Foden came off the bench in the second half. Foden has not featured since City’s opening match of the season against Chelsea, but manager Pep Guardiola is unconcerned about his lack of game time as City prepares for what is expected to be a highly competitive encounter with Arsenal.
In terms of other injuries, Oscar Bobb remains sidelined with a long-term issue, while Nathan Ake is not anticipated to return until after the international break in October.