Back to business for the Gunners, but a few question marks remain

The October international break is finally over.

Now, Mikel Arteta and his team can get back to the business of preparing for Saturday’s tussle with Manchester City at the Etihad.

During his pre-match press conference this morning, Arteta was pressed on whether Thomas Partey could play on Saturday. Arsenal.com provided this answer from the boss, “Well he was here just yesterday, he is getting familiar with everything around the club. Today he will have his first training session, so everything has to come really quickly for him. We knew that before we signed him that he is fit, he is very willing to start playing and we will see how he goes in the next few days. I have seen the buzz around the place, the fans are really happy, I have seen some really positive reactions after we bought him, the same with the team, the squad and the staff. I think he is a player we had the radar on for a long time and we have managed to bring him in and I think he will be a really important addition to the team.”

Obviously, that’s a non-answer, but we need to cut Arteta some slack because Thomas has just joined the team, and to be integrated into the squad by Saturday is asking a lot. However, with that said, I think our new #18 will see the pitch in Manchester at some point during the game. I, for one, can’t wait!

Two more question marks surround Saturday. What is the status of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s ankle, and can Kieren Tierney be allowed to leave quarantine in Scotland?

I guess, we have to assume the possibility of Aubameyang playing on Saturday is better than 50/50. The team’s captain did not play for Gabon during the international break due to an ankle injury picked-up in the Sheffield United match. However, as we go into this weekend, Auba is not listed on the team’s injury report, he has been training with the squad this week, and Arteta didn’t mention the injury during today’s press conference. So, he have to assume The Mirror’s reporting that Auba leading the line on Saturday is correct. Keep your fingers crossed, until we hear something different. We need a healthy Aubameyang on Saturday!

Regarding Kieren Tierney. He is not injured, and he has not tested positive for COVID-19, however, he is doubtful for Saturday. KT is currently in isolation due to having contact with a Scottish teammate who does have the virus. Arteta told the press this morning that Arsenal is trying to work with the Scottish government to get “special dispensation” to allow Tierney to return to the club so he can play Saturday. Stay tuned!

The rest of Arsenal’s international team players return to London today. As far as we know, everyone should come beck healthy and fit.

Let’ hope we see Thomas, Auba, and KT on the pitch Saturday!

2 days and counting!

COYG!

Cheers, and stay healthy and safe!

Gunner1953