Mikel Arteta has been dealt a major blow with two of his first choice backline set to miss the rest of the season for Arsenal. It comes after the Gunners were able to keep the pressure on leaders Manchester City at the top of the table with a 2-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday.
That result narrowed the gap back down to one point after Pep Guardiola's side had opened up a four point buffer by beating Leeds on Saturday. The Citizens do have the task of preparing for a second-leg Champions League match against Real Madrid while also handing their domestic responsibilites away to Everton on Sunday.
They play first once again and will be able to move to within two wins of the league should they prove to be victorious in Merseyside. For Arsenal, all they can do is keep asking questions of the reigning champions. They will have to do it without two keystones of the side that has gotten them this far, though.
