The Gunners’ manager, Mikel Arteta, is facing a lot of challenges as he gets ready for Sunday’s crucial matchup between Arsenal and Manchester City in the title race
Arsenal will face Manchester City in a crucial title showdown when they return from their international break.
Although City is only one point behind the Gunners, they are presently leading the Premier League. On Sunday afternoon, third-place City will meet the leaders in a match that might determine the winner of the title battle.
Three of City’s best players are expected to be available for selection, but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been dealt a quadruple injury blow going into the trip. That setback coincides with Declan Rice’s disclosure about the title match up discussions, while away with England, with City star John Stones.
Additionally, a warning about Bukayo Saka’s future with the team has been sent to the Gunners. Sportrythm compiles the most recent Arsenal news here.
Arsenal sustains a setback in injuries
The news that Manchester City will have its top three of Kyle Walker, Kevin de Bruyne, and Jack Grealish available for Sunday’s match at the Etihad Stadium has hurt Arsenal.
Walker pulled out of the England team to play Belgium after sustaining a hamstring injury during Saturday’s loss to Brazil. However, preliminary scan results indicate that the injury is not life-threatening, and Walker could be able to play Sunday against Arsenal.
De Bruyne, who withdrew from the Belgium team for the March internationals, is also anticipated to be available for selection. The midfielder and Grealish, who hasn’t played since the FA Cup victory over Luton Town, were seen together at City’s training on Monday.
Declan Rice, a star for Arsenal, disclosed that John Stones, an England teammate, was unaware that the Gunners were facing Manchester City on Sunday. Rice surprised the defender when they first met, and the two have been playing for the Three Lions for the last week.
“The first day I came here I saw John Stones and he didn’t even know they were playing us next! When he’s away from football he likes to be with his family and switch off and I get that,” he said.
“He likes to take one game at a time. I said ‘big game next’ and John said ‘who are you playing?’ and I said ‘we’ve got you lot!’ He said ‘oh yeah!’ As lads, we have a bit of banter, but inside us we know what a big game it is going to be.”
Saka doubts voiced
Bukayo Saka has given Arsenal notice that he could opt to retire if referees do not provide him with further protection. Legendary Gunners player Bob Wilson has said that he worries the winger could be “kicked out of the game.”
“What drives me demented is we have one of the best young players and, if we aren’t careful, football will lose him by the time he is 24 or 25 because Bukayo Saka will have been kicked out of the game,” Wilson told The Telegraph.
“Referees don’t seem to see or understand it. There are always a minimum of two players within five yards of Saka and often a third. If they can’t stop him, they kick him. I really worry for Bukayo. I see Saka up with the greats… if he is not kicked out of the game.”
