Arsenal’s upcoming trip to face Manchester City is perhaps their most difficult game of the season, and Mikel Arteta is facing several issues.
Winning at the Etihad is a near-impossible task, with Man City unbeaten at home in the Premier League for nearly two years, and this was an unenviable task for Arsenal even if they had a full squad to pick from.
However, Arteta has been handed a huge headache at the worst possible time as a number of players will miss the game through injury.
Arteta has bemoaned the difference in scheduling for Arsenal and Man City in the week leading to the game, with Arsenal facing two away games at later dates than Man City’s two home matches.
Nevertheless, he will have to find a solution, as there appears to be no return in sight for some of his injured stars.
Martin Odegaard injury update
Odegaard picked up an ankle injury during the International break, and this could keep him out for some time.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta refused to give an exact timescale on when Odegaard could return.
“We need to see the development in the next week or so, how the ankle reacts first of all and then the staff will give me an update on the timeframe and how long he’ll be out for,” he stated.
Mikel Merino injury latest
Summer signing Mikel Merino was dealt a huge blow as he was injured in his first training session after joining, and there is somewhat positive news.
Merino had a shoulder injury, which meant his arm was in a sling as he was pictured at Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton shortly after he signed, but he is no longer wearing the sling.
Whilst the trip to the Etihad will come too early, there is hope that he will be able to return before too long to give Arteta’s side a boost in midfield.
Could Oleksandr Zinchenko return from injury?
Oleksandr Zinchenko would be eager to play away at his old club alongside Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling, who scored twice against his former employers last season, but it appears that this game has come too soon for him.
Zinchenko has been absent from the last two matchday squads with a calf injury, and Arteta has given no indication that he is ready to return to provide quality from the bench.
Kieran Tierney no closer to return
There is also no sign that Kieran Tierney could return to give Arsenal another option in defence. With six academy players named on the bench for Arsenal against Atalanta, there is a place for him in the matchday squad if he is able to return at some point soon.
Takehiro Tomiyasu still missing for Arsenal
Arsenal’s strong depth at fullback with Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori both performing well is particularly useful, as Takehiro Tomiyasu appears no closer to a return after picking up a training injury during pre-season.
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