Mikel Arteta hints Arsenal player could make debut against Manchester City

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Mikel Arteta has suggested that he is hopeful that both Cedric Soares and Shkodran Mustafi will be available for Arsenal when they face Manchester City on Wednesday, in comments reported by Football London.

Gunners fans are yet to see Cedric play for the club following his January move from Southampton. He has been sidelined with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, Mustafi has not been involved since Arsenal’s defeat at the hands of Olympiacos last month. But ahead of Wednesday’s trip to the Etihad Stadium, Arteta issued positive injury news concerning both men.

“I think they will be available to play,” he said, as reported by Football London. “Hopefully everyone will be able to train tomorrow and we’ll pick the best players we can.”

It will be interesting to see whether either player does make an appearance against the Cityzens should they be available.

Sokratis has been used at right-back in the last two games. And he has done fairly well – although it would probably be fair to say that he is still finding his feet in that role.

Meanwhile, Pablo Mari has kicked off his Arsenal career quite well at the heart of the defence. The Gunners have not conceded a goal in his opening two appearances – but this is clearly their toughest challenge since the Spaniard’s debut.

The pair have taken some of the pressure off the likes of Cedric and Mustafi ahead of their returns from injury.

And with City likely to ask a lot of questions of Arsenal defensively, it would perhaps not be a huge surprise if Arteta keeps faith with the back four that started at the weekend with Cedric and Mustafi coming in more gradually.