Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that three of his injured troops are in with a "chance" of facing Manchester City in Sunday's crunch Premier League battle.
Owing to their exceptional eight-game winning run in the top flight since the turn of the calendar year, the Gunners return from the international break one point clear of the reigning champions at the top of the table.
Liverpool are only behind Arteta's troops on goal difference, though, and the Reds will have the chance to rise to the summit when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion in Easter Sunday's earlier kickoff.
However, Liverpool's time at the top may be short-lived if Arsenal extend their remarkable 2024 run at the Etihad, where they have not prevailed in any tournament since a 2-0 success in the 2014-15 Premier League campaign.
The Gunners have already overcome Pep Guardiola's side at the Emirates and in the Community Shield this season, though, and Arteta's ranks could be boosted by the returns of three integral players from the treatment room.
Saka, Martinelli, Gabriel battling to be fit
Always loath to give too much away regarding team news, Arteta told the media in Friday's pre-match press conference that Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes all have a "chance" of making themselves available.
None of the trio was in action for their countries over the international period, as Martinelli has been dealing with a cut to his foot, which he sustained in the 6-0 obliteration of Sheffield United earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Saka and Gabriel both pulled out of international duty before their countries took to the field in March - the former left the England camp with a muscle issue, while Brazil's Gabriel has an Achilles concern.
The three players are yet to resume team training, but Arsenal will take to the practice pitches again on Saturday, and Arteta is keeping his fingers crossed that they can be given the green light to play.
"Yeah there is a chance. They haven't trained. Tomorrow we have another session so there is a chance that they can be available," Arteta told reporters.
Arsenal to have just one absentee for City clash?
Any Gooner knows that Arteta's words should never be taken as gospel when it comes to team news - the Spaniard memorably said that Saka would be "in contention" to face Man City in October, but the England winger was nowhere to be seen on the day.
However, the signs are looking good for Saka, Martinelli and Gabriel being passed fit for the Etihad extravaganza, as even if the trio can only manage one training session over the weekend, Arteta will likely throw caution to the wind for a match of this magnitude.
Saka, Martinelli and Gabriel's prospective returns would coincide with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey regaining full fitness, as the injury-plagued pair were involved in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Queens Park Rangers over the international break.
As a result, only Jurrien Timber - who has now missed seven months with an ACL injury - might not be available for the clash with the champions, although Arteta is hopeful that the Dutchman will be able to come back before the season concludes. body check tags ::
