Arsenal Ready To Face Man City Despite Tough Schedule, Injuries

London, England – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has declared his side is fully prepared to face reigning champions Manchester City this Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, despite a demanding schedule and injury concerns.

Following their thrilling North London derby win over Tottenham last weekend, the Gunners travelled to Italy for their Champions League clash against Atalanta, securing a goalless draw. With just days of recovery, they now face a daunting trip to Manchester.

“We’ve been preparing for this since pre-season,” Arteta said, acknowledging the gruelling schedule. “We knew it would be extremely tough, with three massive away games in six days, but we’ve prepared both physically, mentally, and tactically. Everyone needs to be ready because we’ll need all hands on deck, especially with the injuries we sustained during the international break.”

One notable absence is captain Martin Ødegaard, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury sustained on international duty with Norway. Arteta admitted uncertainty surrounding the midfielder’s return. “We need to assess the situation in the next week, see how the ankle reacts, and then the medical staff will provide an update on his recovery timeline.”

While there are no new injury concerns following the Atalanta match, Arteta expressed his hope for an extra day of rest after City’s midweek draw against Inter Milan. “We wanted the same recovery time as them, but we’re not getting it, so we have to adapt and make the most of the time we have left,” he added.

Despite City’s recent dominance over Arsenal, the Gunners have managed to win their last three encounters against their rivals. This form, combined with their stellar away record in 2024, has Arteta confident of a competitive match at the Etihad.

“We’re going to the home of the champions, a team that has been the most consistent in Premier League history, not just in results, but also in dominance and consistent high-level performances,” Arteta said. “But we’re ready for the challenge.”

The clash between the league’s top two teams promises to be a thrilling spectacle, as both sides aim to maintain their early season momentum. With the stakes high and a tight title race already emerging, this Sunday’s encounter will be one for the ages.