Arsene Wenger is likely to have Sead Kolasinac at his disposal as Arsenal prepare to visit the Etihad to take on Manchester City on Sunday.
Manchester City and Arsenal will prepare to enter the latest international break on a winning note when they take on each other at the Etihad on a Premier League Super Sunday. Ahead of the trip to Manchester, Arsene Wenger has been buoyed by the injury woes easing up in his squad.
In fact, the Frenchman confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he expects Shkodran Mustafi (thigh) to return to the fold post the international break. David Ospina (groin), Calum Chambers (hip) and Danny Welbeck (groin) returned to training this week, although the Manchester City game has come too soon for the trio.
“They are not far, Danny is not far and David is in training as well but the Man City game will come too early for them. City is too early as well for him (Mustafi), we have to be a bit more patient with him.
“Normally all three should be available after the international break. He (Chambers) is back in full training and available after the international break as well.”
Welcome back, @DannyWelbeck pic.twitter.com/0aQoLJR5Ts
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) November 4, 2017
But, Sead Kolasinac is expected to shrug off the hip injury that he sustained in the game against Swansea City last weekend, having taken part in training this week. But, Wenger did not comment on the Bosnian’s availability, which could be subject to a late fitness test.
Meanwhile, Wenger also talked about Santi Cazorla, who has missed the last two seasons almost entirely due to a spate of injuries, the latest of which is an Achilles injury that is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the current campaign as well.
“I have been in touch with Santi throughout his rehab, and it has been extremely tough and testing for him. He is extremely strong and brave, and behind his smile is a strength you would not guess. He is a very strong character, and everyone at Arsenal wishes him well and we hope to have him back soon.”
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has just two players unavailable for the visit of Arsenal, with Vincent Kompany (calf) and Benjamin Mendy (knee) sidelined with their respective injuries.
But, the Manchester City boss could make a few changes from the midweek game against Napoli, having given Kyle Walker and David Silva the night off, while giving Gabriel Jesus just five minutes on the pitch, although Sergio Aguero would be raring for a start after breaking the all-time scoring record for the club.
