Arsenal end a busy week of away action with a third consecutive away game when they face Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday. Manager Mikel Arteta said his team had been preparing for the clash since pre-season.

After beating Tottenham in the north London derby last weekend, Arsenal flew to Bergamo in Italy and played out a goalless draw at Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday. They have little time to rest, however, with City next in action at the weekend.

Pep Guardiola’s team have narrowly beaten Arsenal in the last two seasons and once again the two clubs are first and second in the league after four games, with City two points clear at the top.

“We have been preparing for this since preseason. Of course we knew the schedule and we know that it is extremely rare to play in these conditions with three important away games in six days,” said Arteta.

“But it was what it was, so we prepared for it physically, mentally and tactically.

“We’re making sure everyone is ready because we’re going to need them, especially given the injuries we’ve had during the international break.”

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard remains out with an ankle injury sustained while playing for Norway and Arteta is unclear about the midfielder’s return date.

“We have to wait and see how the ankle reacts in the next week or two and then the staff will keep me informed about the time frame and duration of the injury,” said the Spanish coach.

Arteta added that there were no new injuries following the draw at Atalanta, but had hoped for an extra day of rest after City’s home game against Inter Milan on Wednesday.

“We wanted the same thing as them but we didn’t get it. So we have to adapt and make the most of the time we have today and tomorrow and the morning of the game to prepare in the best possible way and go there and win the game,” he said.

Despite being superior to Arsenal in the past, City have failed to beat Arteta’s side in their last three meetings in all competitions, with their last victory coming in April 2023.

Arsenal also have an excellent away record in 2024, dropping points only in a 0-0 draw at City last season, and Arteta said he expects an exciting atmosphere at the Etihad.

“We are going to the home of the champions, the team that I think has been the most consistent in the history of the Premier League, not just in terms of results but in terms of their dominance and consistent excellence,” he said.

“That’s the challenge. We have to go there and prove again that we have taken another step and are competitive.”