The trio have not played a single minute in pre-season after only resuming training at the start of the week. They were given an extended break following the World Cup.

However, they have stepped up their work at the training ground in recent days and are set to be involved against City.

“They will be available,” Arteta said at his pre-match conference.

“They trained with us today, they will train tomorrow. If they are in the condition we expect them to be, they will be involved.”

Declan Rice is back in training

Getty

Arsenal are expected to be cautious with their workload, meaning Guimaraes appears likely to line up alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly, who started every pre-season match.

Christos Tzolis has been one of Arsenal's most impressive players this summer and will hope to get the nod over Gabriel Martinelli, who continues to be linked with a move to Turkey.

Up front, Kai Havertz is often Arteta's preferred choice in Arsenal's biggest games.

Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly; Dowman, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz

Time and date: 3pm BST on Sunday, August 16, 2026

Venue: Principality Stadium