Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes, ahead of Sunday's big game with Man City.
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Saka, Martinelli, Gabriel doubtful for Man City clashArteta gives update on the trio's fitnessThey haven't trained all week with the teamGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
With the clash against title rivals Manchester City fast approaching, Arteta's injury update will not put Gunners fans' minds at ease. Indeed, the Spaniard revealed that the trio hadn't even trained with the club over the past week, although with one more day of training to come on Saturday, there is still hope that they will recover in time to be available against the Premier League champions.
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Speaking to the media, Arteta was asked about the trio's availability, he said: "Yeah there is a chance. They haven’t trained. Tomorrow we have another session, but there is a chance they can be available."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Saka and Gabriel both opted out of their international commitments during the break, due to respective muscle and Achilles issues. Martinelli, meanwhile, has missed the Gunners' last two games, as well as also opting out of the Brazil national team, for the games against England and Spain. Some reports have also suggested that the forward could be out for the season, but Arteta did not go into the the severity of his knock.
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arteta will be hoping that the extra day of rest will give his injured players every chance of being available for the title clash with City on March 31. However, the Gunners can take some relief from the fact that Pep Guardiola is also dealing with a major injury crisis heading into the match, with key defensive duo John Stones and Kyle Walker having both been ruled out.