Arsenal have received a major boost ahead of their match against Manchester City with Gabriel Martinelli in the squad but news of Bukayo Saka’s fitness was wrong.
Early on Sunday morning, Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail got Arsenal fans excited by revealing that Gabriel Martinelli had accelerated his recovery from a hamstring injury in the previous 48 hours.
Mokbel suggested Martinelli could be included in the squad to face Manchester City, adding that it would be a big boost if he was, obviously.
Various reports on social media then confirmed that Martinelli was with the squad ahead of the game, suggesting he would be involved.
And, yes, he was named on the bench.
The Daily Mail had also reported that Bukayo Saka had been cleared to play for Arsenal against City on Sunday, despite being withdrawn in the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against RC Lens.
Saka was also reportedly with the squad, and it was claimed he could even be set to start the City match.
In the end, Saka wasn’t even named in the squad, the season’s kickings finally taking their toll and brining his club record run of 87 consecutive Premier League games to an end (v Newcastle, May 2021)
The FA are considering a compromise for Saka’s involvement over the international break after he received an international call up this week.
The winger may now be rested for the friendly match against Australia on Friday, before coming back into the team for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy on Tuesday
Arsenal lineup vs Manchester City
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard, Trossard, Jesus, Nketiah.
Arsenal subs
Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, Kiwior, Partey, Smith Rowe, Vieira, Nelson, Martinelli, Havertz.
Manchester City lineup vs Arsenal
Ederson, Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Lewis, Bernardo, Foden, Alvarez, Haaland.
Manchester City subs
Ortega Moreno, Phillips, Stones, Grealish, Doku, Gomez, Akanji, Nunes, Bobb.