Arsenal have several players who are doubts ahead of their huge Premier League clash with Manchester City this weekend

Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of several key players ahead of their title showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend. The Gunners hold a six-point advantage over their closest challengers, though Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand on Mikel Arteta’s men.

Arsenal have endured a rocky patch in recent weeks, suffering defeat in the Carabao Cup final, being knocked out of the FA Cup and losing to Bournemouth in their last Premier League fixture.

However, their aggregate victory over Sporting has kept the Gunners’ dreams of a European and domestic double very much alive. Yet with each additional fixture comes the ever-present threat of further injury setbacks.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our City WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our City Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

That proved to be the case on Wednesday evening when Madueke hobbled off the pitch shortly after the hour mark, replaced by youngster Max Dowman.

It represents a significant worry for Arteta ahead of a pivotal clash this weekend, with Bukayo Saka already sidelined through injury.

With that in mind, the Manchester Evening News has assessed the latest Arsenal injury updates and potential return dates.

Noni Madueke

Arsenal suffered a further injury setback during the Sporting fixture, with Noni Madueke forced off with a knee problem during the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

Following the draw with Sporting, Arteta said: “I don’t know, it was something in his knee so we had to take him off.”

Possible return date: Unknown.

Bukayo Saka

England international Bukayo Saka also missed the fixture against Sporting and is managing an Achilles problem that has plagued him for several weeks. The England star was not included in the matchday squad for the Champions League encounter having been absent from training on Tuesday.

“It is his progression, but hopefully it’s going to be a matter of days and not weeks,” Arteta said. “But he has to see when he’s loading more, how he responds to that kind of progression.

Possible return date: April 19 vs Manchester City.

Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard was also missing from the draw with Sporting, having sustained an issue during the first leg against the Portuguese side earlier this month. The Gunners skipper was not present at training ahead of the Champions League encounter.

The Norwegian’s knee complaint has previously been characterised as a niggle.

Possible return date: April 19 vs Manchester City.

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori was omitted from Arsenal’s defeat to Bournemouth after completing 90 minutes in the first leg against Sporting and did not recover sufficiently to feature in the return fixture.

The Italian defender has not appeared in consecutive Premier League matches since December and his minutes are being carefully managed.

Possible return date: April 19 vs Manchester City

Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber was also missing from training on Tuesday and despite Mikel Arteta suggesting one of the Dutch defender or Saka could be available in time to face Sporting, neither player appeared. Timber’s comeback was considered more probable, with Saka just ‘a matter of days’ away. The defender could make his return this weekend at Manchester City.

Possible return date: April 19 vs Manchester City.

Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino has reacted positively to surgery and is striving for a return to fitness, though his campaign is probably finished.

“He’s another one who is going to push every boundary,” Arteta said ahead of the clash with Bournemouth. “He’s out of his boot now, he’s doing quite a lot of exercises already.”

“He’s reacted really well to the surgery, he’s got no pain. It’s more for the medical staff to go a bit further on that. But I’m sure there is a chance to make that period shorter. If there is a person who can do it, I’m sure that’s going to be Mikel again.”

Possible return date: May 24.