Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Early Arsenal team news vs Man City as Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney questions to be answered

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has two big questions to answer ahead of his side's return to Premier League action against Manchester City.

Before the international break, the Gunners made it three league wins from four as they beat Sheffield United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe.

A much sterner test awaits at the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola's side are aiming to avoid going three league games without a win after a loss and draw against Leicester City and Leeds United respectively.

Arteta does have fond memories of the last encounter against his former club; A 2-0 win in the FA Cup semi-final en route to lifting the trophy at the beginning of May.

Defender Kieran Tierney played a key role in that game at Wembley, claiming an assist for captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to complete his brace.

But will the Scotland international be available for the rematch?

Well, his involvement is in doubt after being ordered to self-isolate for 14 days after being in close contact with his international teammate Stuart Armstrong, who tested positive for coronavirus.

"This is getting very complicated when we send players abroad and lose control," Arteta revealed in his pre-match press conference. "Some authorities have different regulations to the ones in the Premier League.

"We are still having some discussions and hopefully we will have more news this afternoon."

Then when asked if he thinks the left-back has a chance of playing, Arteta said: "I hope so."

The other big question that will be answered come 4.30pm on Saturday is will £45m deadline day signing Thomas Partey make his debut?

"He was here just yesterday, getting familiar with everything around the club," Arteta added. "Today he will have his first training session.

"Everything has to come really quickly for him.

"We knew that before we signed him. But he's fit, he's very willing to start playing. We will see how he goes in the next few days."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.