Arsenal icon Paul Merson cannot see how Mikel Arteta’s players can beat Manchester City this Sunday if Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are both missing due to injury.

The Emirates Stadium team face being without both of their star attackers when the Premier League champions visit north London. Arsenal are sweating over the extent of the hamstring injury that Saka suffered at RC Lens. Martinelli is also yet to return from his hamstring injury.

Martinelli limped off after only 24 minutes at Everton after sensing an issue in his hamstring in the early exchanges. Leandro Trossard took over the 22-year-old’s place at Goodison Park and scored the only goal. Arteta might now have to rely on the 28-year-old again on Sunday.

Saka and Martinelli’s injury fears impact Merson’s prediction for Arsenal vs Manchester City

Fabio Vieira or Reiss Nelson may also start when Arsenal host Manchester City if Saka is not available. The former replaced the 22-year-old in the 34th minute at RC Lens. Arteta made a change after Saka felt a tweak in his hamstring and is awaiting further updates on the injury.

But Merson fears for Arsenal’s chances of beating Manchester City if Martinelli and Saka are both out due to injury. The Gunners hero does not believe the Emirates Stadium outfit have enough quality in their depth to overcome Pep Guardiola’s side, even with Rodri suspended.

Merson noted in his Sportskeeda column: “If I had predicted this game on Tuesday, I’d have definitely backed Arsenal to win this game. Manchester City are without Rodri and they aren’t the same team.

“Arsenal will now have to do without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, and I can’t see how Arsenal can win this game.”

Merson feels Wolves have been blown the title race wide-open

Rodri will serve the last game of a three-match ban against Arsenal after receiving a red card in Manchester City’s win over Nottingham Forest. Guardiola’s squad endured a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup and a 2-1 defeat at Wolves in the league without him.

Merson feels the Molineux loss also opened a door for Arsenal in the title race with Arteta’s side just a point behind Manchester City. Yet, given Martinelli and Saka may not feature, the ex-Gunners midfielder feels a draw is likely. He also questions if Arsenal actually need a win.

“Arsenal got an opening in the title race last week and they’ll need to make the most of it,” Merson added. “You’ve got to make hay while the sun shines with this City team. If Man City are held to a draw here, they’ll have picked up only one point in their last two games.

“I don’t think Arsenal need to win this game but they need to make sure they don’t lose. If they get beat here, it’s déjà vu – they lost both their games against Manchester City last season. It’s going to be a very cagey match and I think it’ll end in a [1-1] draw.”

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