A 19-day break between matches could give Arsenal time to reduce what is already a fairly small injury list.

Having downed Porto in the Champions League, the Gunners sat out the FA Cup weekend having been knocked out by Liverpool and now enter the international break ahead of playing Manchester City on March 31.

Gabriel Martinelli is the key fitness concern for the next fortnight but Thomas Partey will also be monitored by his club, while Gabriel has also now withdrawn from international duty.

Arsenal fans hope to see Jurrien Timber for the run-in after he suffered a devastating start to his Gunners career.

There was some surprise when Brazil called up Arsenal winger Martinelli for their games against England and Spain this month, but he has since withdrawn.

The 22-year-old suffered a cut on his foot in the recent win over Sheffield United.

Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped over Martinelli’s chances of playing before the Champions League encounter with Porto despite describing himself as “pretty positive” before the Brentford game.

Martinelli was spotted on crutches at Emirates Stadium as Arsenal beat the Bees, leaving an element of mystery over his continued absence.

Gabriel joined compatriot Martinelli in withdrawing from the Brazil squad on Monday, replaced by Gleison Bremer of Juventus.

Early reports claim that such a move was more precautionary than due to any serious concern, with suggestions that he is dealing with a foot problem.

It remains to be seen if Gabriel’s place for the game against City will be under threat.

Arsenal get Partey boost ahead of crucial Man City title showdown

Partey came off the bench against Sheffield United and Brentford before remaining an unused substitute for the Porto win, after completing his comeback from a thigh injury.

However, he will sit out the upcoming Ghana internationals as the Black Stars face Nigeria and Uganda in friendlies in Marrakech, Morocco.

Reports suggest the player took that decision to focus on regaining full fitness with Arsenal ahead of the run-in, as opposed to any fresh injury concerns.

Dutch defender Timber made his return to first-team training at the end of February having suffered a serious knee injury in the first game of the Premier League season.

Arteta said there were “not many updates” when asked about his returning stars before Porto, with the club set to take it steady in reintroducing their summer signing.

No timeframe has been put on Timber’s return but it is hoped that he can play again this season.