Arsenal came out of the international break in a good position ahead of their big match against Manchester City.
With no new injuries, a key midfielder standing tall after being given the England captain’s armband, and City seemingly affected by two important players coming off early in the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
To secure their first Premier League title in 20 years, many believe that Arsenal can’t afford to lose at the Etihad Stadium, where they’ve only won once since 2008. As Mikel Arteta’s team regroups for the final 10 matches of the campaign, there are no complaints about the outcome of the last break in the domestic season.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is unlikely to replace David Raya as Arsenal’s first-choice keeper and may need to move on this summer for regular first-team football. However, his chances with England have improved over the past two weeks without playing a single minute.
Sam Johnstone, who was becoming the most likely backup to Jordan Pickford as England’s goalkeeper, has undergone elbow surgery which will sideline him for the rest of the season and into the summer. This secures Ramsdale’s spot in the Euro 2024 squad.
Gabriel has had to pull out of Brazil’s squad due to a fitness issue. But, he it is thought he will be back in action with William Saliba soon to help Arsenal keep up their top-notch defensive record, although he faces a race to be fit for Sunday’s clash against City.
Meanwhile, Ben White has put his international career on hold for the moment after turning down an offer to join the England team’s March camp – meaning his full attention can go towards his Arsenal commitments.
Fellow team member Declan Rice shared that he’ll try and persuade White to give England another shot, although it seems unlikely we’ll see a change before the Euros. Everything’s coming up roses for Rice himself though – his stock has never been higher and he’s handling an exceptional workload.
Last season, he played 64 games for both his club and country, even making it to the World Cup, and this year he’s already played 46 matches – with a possible 15 remaining games if the Gunners continue their strong performance in the race for the title and in the Champions League.
Team captain Martin Odegaard is back at the top of his game after a mid-season hip injury slowed him down, and was seen playing in Norway’s matches against the Czech Republic and Slovakia during the international break. He was on a team with Erling Harland and Oscar Bobb, who will be lining up opposite him on Easter Day.
Fellow team member Declan Rice shared that he’ll try and persuade White to give England another shot, although it seems unlikely we’ll see a change before the Euros. Everything’s coming up roses for Rice himself though – his stock has never been higher and he’s handling an exceptional workload.
Last season, he played 64 games for both his club and country, even making it to the World Cup, and this year he’s already played 46 matches – with a possible 15 remaining games if the Gunners continue their strong performance in the race for the title and in the Champions League.
Team captain Martin Odegaard is back at the top of his game after a mid-season hip injury slowed him down, and was seen playing in Norway’s matches against the Czech Republic and Slovakia during the international break. He was on a team with Erling Harland and Oscar Bobb, who will be lining up opposite him on Easter Day.
All eyes will be on Arsenal’s teamsheet to see if Bukayo Saka, the most-fouled player in the Premier League this season, is included in Arsenal’s line-up at the Etihad. After he turned up for England duty with a “slight muscle problem” and had to withdraw from the squad last Friday.
Saka missed Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over City last October due to Gabriel Martinelli’s late, deflected goal. However, Arteta is eager to have all his players available as he aims to secure a double win against his former mentor Pep Guardiola.
This will be the most crucial roll call of the season for Arteta.
