Arsenal drop major Bukayo Saka and William Saliba hints ahead of Man City clash

Bukayo Saka and William Saliba could be fit enough to return to the fold against Manchester City on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta has struggled with player injuries this term, as Ben White and Martin Odegaard have also recently sidelined through niggles, but two of his most prevalent players may finally be given the green light to return to the field.

Saka has been absent from the squad since picking up a hamstring injury in Arsenal's 5-0 rout of Leeds United, while Saliba has been struggling with an ankle injury sustained during his side's warm-up against Liverpool.

But both men have been pictured training with the first-team this week, with Arteta also updating fans on their condition during a pre-match press conference.

Speaking about Saka, Odegaard and White, the Spaniard said on Friday: "If there is a chance, it will be after tomorrow's session because they haven't done anything yet, so we'll have more information tomorrow.

"Everything has been modified so far for them. There are still a few things to clear and tomorrow we'll have more information on whether they are part of the squad or if they have a chance to be part of the squad."

Meanwhile, on Saliba, he added: "Let's see. Obviously he's been carrying an injury, he's done really well to be available for the last match and he’s really pushing it, so we will decide tomorrow who is the best to start.

"[Cristhian Mosquera] is very good. I think credit to the scouting department and Andrea [Berta] that they presented the opportunity to have him.

"Again, as a boy, he’s extremely focused, very determined, very clear that he wanted to come here and he wanted to come here to play and earn his place. I think what he's doing in that position, so early, is very impressive."

Mosquera has given an incredibly good account of himself for the Gunners in the wake of Saliba's absence, helping relieving pressure on David Raya alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest as well as their 2-0 Champions League victory over Athletic Club.

And given that Saliba will be lacking match fitness as a result of missing the last two games, it would come as very little surprise if Mosquera starts once more to limit risks against one of their most formidable opponents.

Saka, meanwhile, has found himself replaced on the right flank by Noni Madueke during his recovery, who has looked incredibly bright after securing a £52million move from Chelsea this summer, albeit failing to score or assist for the side just yet.

Arsenal will hope to make it three wins from their last three games when they meet with City on Sunday, with hopes of capitalising on Pep Guardiola's patchy run of form this term. The Cityzens have managed just two wins from their opening four games of the season, and will be eager to find more consistency away from home.

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