This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
Arsenal's Road to Champions League: Key Players Return from Injury ¶
With the Premier League set to return on June 17, Arsenal is gearing up for a crucial match against Manchester City. The Gunners are currently ninth on the standings with 40 points, and a victory at Etihad will see them leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur, who are eighth with 43 points.
Four key players, Lucas Torreira, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, and Kieran Tierney, have made full recoveries from their respective injuries and are in contention for a spot in the starting lineup. Torreira initially suffered a fractured ankle, while Tierney dislocated his shoulder.
Manager Mikel Arteta will be keen to name a strong squad to face his former side, Manchester City. Bernd Leno is expected to start between the sticks, with Bellerin, Pablo Mari, and Tierney providing cover in defense. Dani Ceballos, Granit Xhaka, and Mesut Ozil are primed to start in the midfield, with Nicolas Pepe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Alexander Lacazette leading the hunt for goals.
However, Arsenal will have to contend with a poor record at the Etihad, having not won at City since 2015. A victory over City will catapult the Gunners above Tottenham Hotspur, but it will be a tough task for Arteta's men.
