Six Arsenal Fitness Updates from Mikel Arteta Ahead of Manchester City Clash

Context of the Clash

The Gunners will host a City side regaining momentum after recording back-to-back wins over Manchester United and Napoli. Pep Guardiola’s men had endured a poor start to the 2025/26 campaign, with early defeats to Brighton and Tottenham, but now look to be finding their rhythm.

Arsenal, meanwhile, inflicted one of Guardiola’s heaviest defeats as City boss last February, when a dominant 5-1 win at the Emirates saw Myles Lewis-Skelly, Thomas Partey, Ethan Nwaneri, Martin Ødegaard, and Kai Havertz all find the net. That result will be fresh in the memory heading into Sunday’s clash.

Arteta’s Six Fitness Updates

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed the current status of several key players:

• Player 1 – Returned to training and in contention for the squad.
• Player 2 – Close to full fitness but will face a late test.
• Player 3 – Making steady progress, but unlikely to feature this weekend.
• Player 4 – Fit and available for selection after recent doubts.
• Player 5 – Still being monitored; decision will be made on matchday.
• Player 6 – Recovered well enough to be considered for a bench role.

“He’s done really well to be available for the last match. He’s really pushing it, so we’ll decide tomorrow what’s the best start,” Arteta said of one of his players.

City’s Motivation

Manchester City are under pressure to collect maximum points in north London. Guardiola knows his side cannot afford more slip-ups in the early part of the season, with Liverpool and Arsenal setting the pace at the top of the table.

A draw would not be disastrous for City, but a victory against a direct title rival could be pivotal in building momentum after their stuttering start.

FAQs

• Which Arsenal players are doubtful?
  Arteta confirmed six players are being assessed ahead of Sunday, with final decisions to be made on matchday.
• Why is this game significant?
  Arsenal humiliated City 5-1 in February, and both teams are competing at the top end of the table this season.
• How are Manchester City approaching the game?
  City have regained momentum with consecutive wins but know a defeat at Arsenal could derail their title ambitions.
• When is the match?
  Arsenal vs Manchester City takes place on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.

Conclusion

Mikel Arteta’s fitness updates will be crucial in determining Arsenal’s starting XI against Manchester City, as both clubs battle for early-season supremacy. With City desperate to avoid further setbacks and Arsenal eager to repeat their stunning victory from last season, Sunday’s clash promises to be one of the defining fixtures of the Premier League’s early months.