Partey, Aubameyang, Martinelli: Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Man City clash

There is one more match to go in the international break, with some of Arsenal's players preparing to play again for their countries.

Once they return to north London, the Gunners will get ready to face Manchester City on Saturday as the Premier League resumes.

Before the break, Arsenal recorded a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at the Emirates, and Arteta will be hoping to continue their winning ways against his old employers.

With that in mind, here is the latest injury news for the Gunners going into the game with City.

Thomas Partey

Arsenal's newest signing is in line for his Gunners debut against Manchester City on Saturday, having played for Ghana in their 5-1 friendly win over Qatar in Turkey.

According to reports, the midfielder will return to London Colney on Wednesday ahead of Arsenal's trip to the Etihad, and all going smoothly, will be in contention to play against Pep Guardiola's side.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not reported for international duty with Gabon.

The 31-year-old was initially called up for Sunday's clash against Benin.

However, it has since been revealed that he sustained an ankle injury during the Gunners' 2-1 win over Sheffield United last weekend and has had to withdraw from the squad.

"After the withdrawal of Mario Lemina, another executive, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, will not be present to face Benin in a friendly match on October 11 in Lisbon," a statement reads.

According to coach Patrice Neveu: "Aubameyang suffers from a small sprained ankle, contracted on Sunday, during the Premier League match against Sheffield.

"The Arsenal doctor sent me a certificate indicating his unavailability.

"He is in care for a week."

With that said, it's not all bad news for Gunners fans as well as manager Mikel Arteta ahead of the clash against Manchester City.

As spotted in Wednesday's training session at London Colney, Aubameyang was present alongside the likes of Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi and Alexandre Lacazette.

More importantly, he appeared to be moving about freely.

Kieran Tierney

Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has been advised to self-isolate for 14 days after coming into close contact with a COVID-positive team-mate on international duty.

Scotland international Stuart Armstrong was diagnosed with coronavirus, the Scottish FA confirmed last week, and Tierney's alleged close proximity to the midfielder means he has been advised to begin a two week period of self-isolation.

Tierney's isolation would appear to rule him out of Arsenal's Premier League game against Manchester City.

But the Gunners released a statement lastWednesday, to clarify their position.

Arsenal said: “Our medical team have confirmed that Kieran was socially distant at all times from the player who tested positive and has broken no rules regarding Covid-19 protocols.

"We are currently seeking further advice and clarification of the details.”

There has been no further update on Tierney's situation, although Arsenal are expected to provide a new statement this week.

Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil has been left out of all of Arsenal's matchday squads so far.

It's understood the move is down to tactics and Mikel Arteta's choice, rather than the German international having any sort of injury though.

He is, therefore, in contention for the City game if called upon.

Pablo Mari

The Spanish defender remains sidelined with an injury to his left ankle.

He picked up the problem - which saw damage to his ankle ligaments - in the game with City back on June 17.

He is continuing outside running and undergoing a strengthening programme as he makes a return to full fitness.

Mari has also been doing some light ball work as part of his recovery.

The plan is for him to return to full training within the next week or so.

The City game might be too soon for him, however, and a more likely return could be in the Europa League game away to Rapid Vienna on Thursday, October 22.

Sokratis

The defender is yet to play for Arsenal this season.

The Greek has been tipped to leave the club this summer, with Napoli and Paris Saint-German linked with a move.

However, he remains with the club and is fit so is in contention to be in the squad to take on City.

Calum Chambers

The defender has been out with a serious knee injury since the end of last December in the home defeat by Chelsea.

He had been expected to return to action towards the end of the calendar year but that could now be sooner.

Arsenal say Chambers is progressing well in his recovery and is now taking part in first-team training sessions.

The former Southampton player is aiming to be back in full training after the international break so is likely to be ready to play at the end of the month, if not sooner.

Shkodran Mustafi

The German was enjoying something of a renaissance under Arteta and had been particularly impressive in the FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City last season, only to suffer a hamstring injury in its closing minutes.

Mustafi underwent a minor medical procedure in the immediate aftermath of the injury, which Arteta confirmed was a pull to the "tendon of the bone of his hamstring".

The defender is said to be progressing well and he is now featuring in first-team training.

Like Chambers, he is set to return to full training after the international break.

Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal have received a huge fitness boost with Gabriel Martinelli making progress on his return.

Martinelli was initially ruled out until the end of the year with a serious knee injury.

But the forward now says he could be back in training for Arsenal soon after making rapid progress in his rehabilitation.

“I’m feeling very well, I’m regaining confidence and I can feel my knee is better,” he told the Arsenal website.

“After an injury like this you are kind of scared to force the knee again but the past couple of weeks it has been fine and soon I can start training with the ball."