Early on Sunday morning, Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail got Arsenal fans excited by revealing that Gabriel Martinelli had accelerated his recovery from a hamstring injury in the previous 48 hours.
Mokbel suggested Martinelli could be included in the squad to face Manchester City, adding that it would be a big boost if he was.
Reports on social media then confirmed that Martinelli was with the squad ahead of the game, suggesting he’ll be involved.
The Daily Mail had also previously reported that Bukayo Saka had been cleared to play for Arsenal against City on Sunday, despite being withdrawn in the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against RC Lens.
Saka is also reportedly with the squad, and he could even be set to start the City match.
On top of that, the FA are considering a compromise for Saka’s involvement over the international break.
The winger may now be rested for the friendly match against Australia on Friday, before coming back into the team for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy on Tuesday.
Having both Saka and Martinelli in the squad to face Manchester City is certainly a big morale booster ahead of the game, though it remains to be seen whether they’re ready to play a significant role in the fixture.