Arsenal face Sunderland next in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light.placeholder image
Arsenal face Sunderland next in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light. | Getty Images
The latest Arsenal team news, injury updates and predicted line-up ahead of their Premier League showdown with Sunderland
Premier League leaders Arsenal return to action on Saturday evening (17:45 GMT) against one of the season’s surprise packages so far, in the shape of high-flyers Sunderland.
The Black Cats stunningly sit in fourth place in the top flight despite only being promoted through the Championship play-offs last season. Former Gunner Granit Xhaka scored his first goal for the club in a 1-1 draw with Everton on Monday night, and will relish the chance to face his former side this weekend.
Sunderland could go second and just four points behind the Gunners with victory, so Regis Le Bris’ side should not be underestimated as they continue to make a splash on their eight-year return to the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta may decide to make changes following Tuesday’s 3-0 victory away at Slavia Prague in the Champions League, with key players set to return to the starting XI amidst a growing list of injury concerns.
Gyokeres, Martinelli and Zubimendi major Arsenal doubts
Arsenal have been faced with a number of fresh injury issues in recent weeks, most notably striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede was forced off at half-time during last weekend’s trip to Burnley, and is undergoing tests as the Gunners wait nervously to find out the extent of his injuries. Gyokeres is expected to be out for this weekend’s fixture, with the hope being that he will return after the international break.
Another player who was withdrawn at Burnley was Martin Zubimendi. The Spaniard asked to be substituted with 12 minutes remaining, and had a rest in the Champions League in midweek due to suspension. The hope is that he will be fit to face Sunderland.
Gabriel Martinelli has also been out for the Gunners’ last three matches after picking up a groin issue during his substitute appearance against Crystal Palace. This weekend is expected to come too early for him but he will aim to be back against Tottenham Hotspur on November 23, report the Standard. William Saliba had also been a previous injury concern, but was passed fit to face Burnley.
Gunners could be without up to seven players amidst long-term absentees
Arsenal also have four long-term absentees who will remain out for this weekend, though the Gunners will hope to have a full bill of health in the near future.
Captain Martin Odegaard has already picked up multiple injuries so far in an unfortunate start to the campaign, most recently a medial collateral ligament injury against West Ham United last month. The Norwegian will aim to be back for the North London Derby.
Also hoping to feature that day is Noni Madueke, who has already missed nine games with a knee injury but will aim for a return against Spurs after the international break. This weekend’s fixture will come too soon for the England international. The same can be said for Kai Havertz, who has been out since August but will hope to return against Spurs. Gabriel Jesus may have to wait a little longer as he recovers from an ACL injury, but the Brazilian’s potential late December return is now not too far away.
Arsenal predicted starting XI vs Sunderland: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard.
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