Mikel Arteta has revealed that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes have not trained ahead of Arsenal‘s title showdown with Manchester City this weekend. The Gunners will be looking to extend their slender advantage at the top of the Premier League table by claiming all three points at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal’s hopes of victory could depend heavily on the fitness of several key players, having lost every time they have faced City away from home in the league under Arteta. Saka withdrew from the England squad over the international break with a minor muscle problem, while Gabriel pulled out of the Brazil camp due to an inflamed Achilles tendon.
Arteta was asked to provide an update in Friday’s press conference and said that although both players have not trained since returning to the squad, there is a chance they could still be involved at the Etihad Stadium.
“Yeah, there is a chance,” explained Arteta. “They haven’t trained. Tomorrow we have another session, so there is a chance they can be available.”
When quizzed on his relationship with international teams when his players are representing their countries, Arteta added: “We try to have the best possible communication with the national team, but at the end they have the capacity to select the players and use them how they feel. I always feel that they have the priority to protect the players.”
Arsenal’s recent record at the Etihad Stadium has been desperately poor, with the Gunners claiming just one point in the league at City’s home ground since 2015. However, their impressive form and strong mental outlook this season has given Arteta hope that things could be different on Sunday.
“I was just watching everyone walk in the building and I loved the energy,” said the Spaniard. “They were glad to be back and actually wanted to train yesterday. We just need to take every match [as it comes], embrace the moment and go for it. I have full belief and trust in my players.
“It’s something that we have to show on the pitch. It’s a massive game for both teams. It will give us a huge boost again if we go there and win it. Still there is a long way after to make the ground to win it.”
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