Fri Sep 20 13:22:13 UTC 2024: ## Arsenal Ready to Face City Despite Grueling Week
**Manchester, England** – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed his side is fully prepared to face reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday, despite a grueling week of away matches.
After a draw against Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday, following their North London Derby victory against Tottenham last weekend, the Gunners have little time to recover before facing their title rivals.
“We’ve been preparing for this since pre-season,” Arteta said, acknowledging the demanding schedule. “We knew it was going to be tough with three massive away games in six days, but we’ve been ready physically, mentally, and tactically.”
The manager also addressed the injury situation, confirming that skipper Martin Odegaard remains sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during international duty. Arteta said he’s unsure when the midfielder will return, but will “assess his progress in the next week.”
Despite the injury concerns, Arteta emphasized the team’s readiness for the challenge at the Etihad Stadium. He highlighted the importance of the match, stating, “We go to the home of the champions, the team that I think in Premier League history has been the most consistent ever.”
While City have dominated Arsenal in recent years, Arteta’s side has emerged victorious in their last three meetings across all competitions. Arsenal also boasts a stellar away record in 2024, dropping points only in the 0-0 draw against City last season.
“We have to go there and prove that again we’ve made another step and we can compete,” Arteta declared, setting the tone for a highly anticipated clash.
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