Sunday's Premier League main event serves up a true clash of the titans, as Arsenal and Manchester City prepare for battle at the Etihad Stadium.
Mikel Arteta's men cross paths with the Citizens knowing that victory would be enough to supplant Pep Guardiola's men in the rankings thanks to their 1-0 win over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in their last top-flight affair, where Gabriel Magalhaes was the hero of the hour.
However, it was goalkeeper David Raya who had to save - or double save - Arsenal's bacon in the Champions League on Thursday night, as his breathtaking pair of stops saw the Gunners hold Atalanta BC to a goalless draw.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Man City, who were held to their own 0-0 stalemate versus Inter Milan on UCL matchday one.
Martin Odegaard
© Imago
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown
After initially remaining tight-lipped about the severity of Martin Odegaard's ankle injury, Arteta has now confirmed the expected news that his captain will be sidelined for a "while", although he is hopeful that it will be a matter of weeks instead of months.
Mikel Merino
© Imago
Status: Out
Type of injury: Shoulder
Possible return date: October 27 (vs. Liverpool)
Mikel Merino's first appearance at the Emirates was in the stands with his arm in a sling, as he fractured his shoulder in a bizarre training incident with Gabriel Magalhaes and is targeting a return in late October.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
© Imago
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown
The injury-plagued Takehiro Tomiyasu has been out of contention with a knee injury since the start of pre-season, and there is still no telling when the Japan international might be back in contention.
Kieran Tierney
© Imago
Status: Out
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: Unknown
Similarly, fellow full-back Kieran Tierney is on the long-term injury list with the hamstring issue he sustained at Euro 2024, and it is unclear when he will be considered for selection again.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
© Imago
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Calf
Possible return date: September 22 (vs. Man City)
Oleksandr Zinchenko has now missed Arsenal's last two games with the calf injury he picked up before the North London derby, and his hopes of featuring against his former team on Sunday are believed to be slim to none.
ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST
Arsenal have no players suspended for this match.
No Data Analysis info