Arsenal news: Gunners have nowhere to hide as Viktor Gyokeres sends message after injury scare

Arsenal emerged unscathed from their opening Champions League match on Tuesday, with Athletic Club providing a solid test for Mikel Arteta's squad as they gear up to take on Manchester City this Sunday. The Gunners may have an edge, given that City have had less time to prepare.

Liverpool remain the team to beat in the Premier League, boasting maximum points from their first four matches - including a narrow win against Arsenal. Arne Slot's side also kicked off their European campaign with a win on Wednesday, courtesy of a late header from Virgil van Dijk against Atletico Madrid.

A victory at Emirates Stadium on Sunday wouldn't just keep Arsenal within striking distance of the reigning champions. It would also see them move six points clear of Pep Guardiola's City, who have already suffered two league defeats this season.

Arteta may face a selection dilemma following the impressive performances of substitutes on Tuesday, as Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both found the net after coming off the bench at San Mames, and will be vying for a starting spot come Sunday. There's much to ponder both domestically and in Europe as last season's Premier League runners-up gear up for action during this hectic period, and here are our latest updates from the red half of North London.

Lescott makes Arsenal title claim

Arsenal have bolstered their squad considerably over the summer, and the choice to invest heavily could assist them in overcoming their greatest barrier to the title. A depleted squad arguably proved their downfall last term, with two-time Premier League winner Joleon Lescott highlighting where they fell short against Liverpool last season and Manchester City the campaign prior.

"Probably this season, they'll be closer because of their squad," Lescott said on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet. "I think it was their squad [that stopped them from winning the league before].

"I don't think anyone can guarantee their best XI are always going to be available. But I do think that their squad is better placed now to cope with injuries and suspensions and all that," he added. That assessment leaves Arteta with no excuse to turn to should the Gunners fall short once more this season, with silverware essential for the Spaniard.

Arteta targets £32.5m windfall after prize money boost

Arsenal's victory in Bilbao isn't merely positive news for their prospects of reaching the knockout phases of the Champions League. They have also boosted their war chest by £1.8m, and can achieve the same with every triumph in the competition.

With £1.8m per victory and a graduated system of rewards based on final position, there's an opportunity for Arsenal to claim £32.5m in total. That's what they could secure if they lead the league phase table with eight victories from eight, but there's substantial money available even if they conclude further down in the rankings.

Millions more remain on the table for advancement through the knockout stages, with Arsenal aiming to better last campaign's semi-final appearance. Yet, silverware at the end of the European campaign would certainly outweigh any financial rewards.

Gyokeres' update following injury concern

Viktor Gyokeres seems to be experiencing minimal after-effects from the head knock he sustained against Athletic Club. The Swedish forward required medical attention and bandaging but was given the all-clear to carry on, eventually making way for Leandro Trossard midway through the second half.

Mikel Arteta suggested he expected the striker to be available for Sunday's clash with Manchester City, whilst Gyokeres himself was purely concentrated on the outcome in Bilbao. "Great to be back in @ChampionsLeague with a win," he posted on social media.

Gyokeres may not have found the net in the European curtain-raiser, but he demonstrated his continental quality with six goals last season including a treble against Manchester City. Should he manage to add to that tally against Pep Guardiola's side this weekend, it could make the differnce for Arsenal.

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