Arsenal full squad revealed for Manchester United after Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu decision
Arsenal have no room for error as they travel to Manchester United on Sunday looking to get back to the top of the Premier League for what could be the final time this season. The Gunners were afforded no let-up as Manchester City put Fulham to the sword on Saturday lunchtime.
Goals from Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden, and Julian Alvarez gave Pep Guardiola's side a commanding victory at Craven Cottage, ensuring that Arsenal will need to win at Old Trafford for just a second time in 17 years in the league. Luckily for Mikel Arteta, he is likely to have an almost fully-fit squad available.
In what would have been the week that Arsenal played their Champions League semi-final second leg, there has been a full seven days off between matches to allow for ample recovery. It comes at a good time for several players after knocks revealed by Arteta.
"A few doubts that tomorrow we can resolve with another training session," he said of his squad's availability. "So we’ll have to see." It comes after Takehiro Tomiyasu wasn't pictured in images released from the Sobha Realty Training Complex in the build-up to the game.
The other worry is that Bukayo Saka was heavily strapped up. "A few doubts over the names that you discussed yes," Arteta said coyly.
Saka was taken off just short of full-time at the Emirates Stadium. He has started the last six games in the league though, and will be aiming to be fit for what he has described as a game at his favourite away ground.
READ MORE: Man City lose, transfer agreed, Timber boost - Arsenal dream end of the season for Mikel Arteta
READ MORE: Kylian Mbappe confirms transfer decision after Mikel Arteta Arsenal admission and Chelsea trial
Outside of Tomiyasu and Saka the only other wait is over Jurrien Timber. He has still not been involved in a first-team matchday squad since the opening day of the season but was in contention to play against the Cherries last week.
Arteta said before the North London Derby that he would have to " try to nail that decision when [we take it]" in regards to his return. Whether that is coming back for a game at Old Trafford or not will be one of the few decisions Arteta has to make.
Here, football.london has predicted the 20 players that will make the starting XI and bench.
Goalkeepers: Aaron Ramsdale, David Raya
Defenders: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior
Midfielders: Jorginho, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard
Attackers: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli