Arsenal are set to host Manchester United in a huge match at the Emirates on Saturday. With both sides pushing for a top four finish this season, the result could have massive implications on the side that finishes in fourth.
For the Gunners, they have slipped slightly after three straight defeats on their return from the international break, but a 4-2 win over Chelsea in midweek has given them hope again. As for the Red Devils, they have a slim chance of making fourth, having hit an inconsistent patch of form.
Despite the severity of the clash, Mikel Arteta has downplayed the outcome, claiming that there will still be more twists in the future: “I think there are going to be a lot of twists still. That’s what we have to do, perform and play well tomorrow to deserve to win the match, which I think will be difficult.”
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Tomiyasu, Erik Ten Hag, Cristiano Ronaldo and Man United
With the Gunners gearing up for a massive clash, here’s a look a the latest injury news ahead of the game:
Takehiro Tomiyasu
The Japan international has struggled with injuries so far this season, with both calves causing him troubles since his switch from Bologna in the summer. However, ahead of the game Arteta confirmed that he is close to a return and could be back for the United game.
What Arteta has said: “If he trains today [Friday] and he feels good, then he will be available tomorrow [Saturday], yes.”
Expected return date: Manchester United (H) - April 23
Alexandre Lacazette
The striker had suffered from a Covid infection recently, but managed to test negative since. He was involved in the squad for the Chelsea game, and appeared from the bench late on.
The Frenchman is now expected to be fully fit for the game, with Arteta confirming so in his press conference.
What Arteta has said: “He trained yesterday, and hopefully, he will be feeling (better) today. So after Covid, we have players that struggled for weeks, others that have recovered quicker. Let's see, but obviously, he's a player that we need, contributing and being at his best. Hopefully, he can recover quickly.”
Expected return date: Manchester United (H) - April 23
Thomas Partey
Partey picked up a thigh injury against Crystal Palace earlier this month and Arteta's latest comments suggest that the Ghanaian international could be ruled out of action for the rest of the season.
What Arteta has said: "Yes, the news that we got after a lot of assessments is not great. It’s not looking very positive for his availability this season, but we’ll have to wait and see because he’s trying to get back as quickly as possible, but at the moment we are not very optimistic about it."
Expected return date: Unknown.
Kieran Tierney
Left-back Tierney is expected to miss the rest of the season having undergone surgery for a serious knee injury.
What Arteta has said: "The feeling that he had wasn’t positive and what the scans showed either. But we have to wait and see what happens."
Expected return date: Summer 2022.
