Arsenal face a grave task of having to defeat a formidable Man City side at the Etihad Stadium to keep their Premier League title charge on track.
However, ahead of the game, Mikel Arteta gave a slightly nervy update that Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are yet to prove their fitness levels for the match.
There are, of course, chances that all three work hard to show that they fit enough to play and make the starting lineup.
However, Arteta needs to have a plan B in mind if they aren’t approved by the medical staff and send out a strong side that can oust Man City.
The logical replacement for Saka will probably be playing Gabriel Jesus on the right-wing, as the gaffer did in the 1-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s side at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season.
Ben White can definitely play well as a centre-back and can come in to partner William Saliba, while Takehiro Tomiyasu is now fit enough to play in that right-back role.
Leandro Trossard is probably the ideal man to fit into that left-wing position if Martinelli can’t make it, while Kai Havertz retains his place as the no.9.
Going by that, here is what Arsenal’s best possible XI looks like without these three key players.
Arsenal possible XI vs Man City: Raya, Tomiyasu, Saliba, White, Kiwior, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Jesus, Trossard, Havertz
Latest news
