By Frank McAvennie

30th Sep, 2023 | 7:00pm

Arsenal decimated by seven injury blows pre-Man City showdown

Arsenal can’t cope with the number of injuries to the squad.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie said unlike their Premier League rivals Man City, the Gunners don’t have the depth of squad required to compete for trophies.

William Saliba, Fabio Vieira, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber are all on the treatment table after suffering various problems.

For City, John Stones, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne have been sidelined whilst Rodri is missing their upcoming matches through a suspension after being sent off against Nottingham Forest.

The sides meet for the first time this term next weekend where both sides are likely to be missing important members of their squad.

But McAvennie suggested Arsenal are way behind City when it comes to squad depth.

“City have missed [Jack] Grealish for a bit but they have still been getting results,” he told Football Insider.

“Getting back into the team this week will have done Grealish the world of good.

“Can Arsenal do with missing players as much as Man City can? No. They will be decimated. I think if Arsenal have two or three missing and City do as well, I think City will cope with it better than Arsenal.

“They have got a better squad, they have got like for like players.“

City started their season strong with six wins from their opening six matches whilst the Gunners have won four and drawn two.

In other news, clubs are queuing up to sign goalkeeper after Arsenal twist.