Arsenal star ruled out of Man City clash as Arteta reveals injury concerns

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal have suffered an injury blow ahead of their FA Cup fourth round tie against Manchester City on Friday.

The Gunners are looking to lift the FA Cup for the second time in three years, having won the competition during Arteta's first season in charge by beating Chelsea at Wembley.

They defeated Oxford United in round three, sealing a 3-0 win thanks to a brace from Eddie Nketiah and a header from Mohamed Elneny. Fabio Vieira, meanwhile, provided two assists.

City, meanwhile, secured a 4-0 win over Chelsea in a dominant display. Riyad Mahrez scored twice, while Phil Foden and a returning Julian Alvarez also netted.

Speaking prior to the game, Arteta gave an update on the availability within his squad - and confirmed that one player who featured prominently against Oxford is set to miss out against Pep Guardiola's side.

Arsenal team news: Arteta confirms player likely to be absent

The Spaniard has confirmed that Elneny will likely not play against City - and revealed the club are concerned about the extent of the injury.

The midfielder suffered a knee injury in training prior to the 2-0 win over Tottenham in the north London derby on January 15.

He stated (via the club's official website): "I don't think he will be [available]. He had some issues with his knee that we are assessing at the moment, and I'll have to see how he evolves in the next couple of days.

"There are some concerns [over potential long-term injury], especially as Mo never complains about anything, but let's see."

Arteta has also admitted that he wants to sign a midfielder in January, and Italian outlet La Repubblica have claimed that they have submitted a €30 million bid for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

Other midfielders linked with the club include Brighton's Moises Caicedo and Everton's Amadou Onana, although Brighton are reportedly asking for a fee of £100m to allow the former to leave this month.