Arsenal guaranteed to be without five players for Man City as Gabriel Jesus role ‘confirmed’

Mikel Arteta has admitted he needs every single player to put in a shift against Manchester City when Arsenal make the trip north on Sunday.

The Gunners go to Etihad Stadium knowing they can make a real statement against the Premier League champions. Arteta’s side managed a 0-0 draw here last season but on another day could have nicked all three points, so it should be fascinating to see what happens this time around.

Gabriel Jesus could be handed a start against his old side given he has made his comeback from a groin injury. If the Brazilian does play, it may mean Kai Havertz is pushed back into midfield to cover for Martin Odegaard’s injury.

Asked what role Jesus can play against City, Arteta admitted: “The same as the others. Be ready and in a good condition because we are going to need everybody.

“Last year he started there and it was a really good performance. We need everyone fit and available.”

Sadly for Arteta, he will be without a handful of first team stars for the clash at Etihad Stadium. The biggest is captain Martin Odegaard, who looks set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

The game also comes too soon for Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney, while Oleksandr Zinchenko also looks unlikely to make the matchday squad. That means Arsenal are without five senior players for the match in Manchester.

So, looking at the official Arsenal website, the Gunners have 17 fit senior players available for selection for the game at Man City. As per Premier League rules, a club is allowed to name a squad of 20 players for a Premier League match which means a couple of academy stars will need to step up.

Ethan Nwaneri will be included in the squad once more, while Myles Lewis-Skelly is another youngster who has impressed Arteta in training this season. The last spot could go to the highly rated Ayden Heaven, who will offer some extra defensive cover on the bench.

Possible Arsenal squad for Man City: Raya, Neto; White, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Calafiori, Heaven; Partey, Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Havertz; Saka, Martinelli, Trossard, Sterling, Jesus.

Senior players unavailable for Man City: Odegaard (ankle injury), Tomiyasu (knee injury), Tierney (hamstring injury), Merino (shoulder injury), Zinchenko (calf injury).