Mikel Arteta has more huge decisions to make in midfield when Arsenal head to Manchester City this weekend.
The Gunners confirmed the extent of Martin Odegaard’s ankle injury this week with the Norway international expected to be out until mid-November.
The club captain will miss some huge games in that period starting with the visit to the Etihad on Sunday where Arteta will again be without Mikel Merino.
The Spain international suffered a shoulder injury in his first training session with the club and is not expected to be back until next month.
Declan Rice is available once again after serving his suspension and is expected to join Thomas Partey and Jorginho in midfield.
Kai Havertz dropped into a deeper midfield role on Thursday night against Atalanta with Gabriel Jesus leading the line in Bergamo but the Germany international should return to his more familiar role up top against the champions.
Raheem Sterling made his debut off the bench in the `1-0 win over Tottenham last week and will be pushing for a starting role against the side he scored 91 goals for.
Bukayo Saka meanwhile came off with cramp against Spurs but was back in the side against Atalanta, playing 73 minutes before being replaced by Sterling.
Manchester City also have a problem in midfield with Kevin de Bruyne expected to miss Sunday’s clash.
The Belgium international was forced off at half-time in Wednesday’s goalless draw with Inter Milan with a suspected hamstring injury. While it is not expected to be a long-term issue, City will take no risks with the 33-year-old.
Wednesday night marked Rodri’s first start of the season with Phil Foden coming off the bench in the second-half.
The England international has not featured since the opening game of the season against Chelsea but Guardiola is not concerned by his lack of game time heading into what promises to be an intense afternoon against Arsenal.
Oscar Bobb remains a long-term absentee with Nathan Ake not expected to return until after October’s international break.
Man City predicted XI to face Arsenal
Ederson, Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Rodri, Silva, Gundogan, Foden, Haaland
Arsenal predicted XI to face Man City
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Jorginho, Partey, Rice, Saka, Havertz, Sterling
Where to watch Man City vs Arsenal? Kick-off time and TV channel
Man City vs Arsenal kicks off at 4:30pm on Sunday 22 September.
Live coverage is available on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with a live stream available on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.
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