Arsenal Have The Ammunition To Beat City As Fabregas, Bendtner and Others Return

Arsenal supporters have never been fond of international breaks during the season, because inevitably, there are at least a couple of players who will be on the treatment table at the end of the week. But the timing of this International break is suited for Arsenal, and it does provide time for some of the injured players to recover from their injuries, and train with the team, and if possible, regain match fitness by playing for the reserves.

After their disappointing encounters against West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea, the International break provides time for Arsenal to regroup ahead of important encounters against Birmingham City and Manchester City. The Gunners will hope that the return of many important players will inspire them to play to their potential.

Injury Updates:

Cesc Fabregas: Captain Cesc Fabregas has been ruled out for Spain's Euro Qualifiers, but should be wearing the armband for the Birmingham City fixture at the Emirates. His return is a major boost to the Gunners, who have not had a good couple of weeks, barring the midweek fixtures.

Nicklas Bendtner: Bendtner is confident that he should be in contention for a starting berth in two weeks time. His confidence will provide a lot of belief for the Gunners.

Theo Walcott: Walcott might not be fit for Birmingham City, but he should make the squad for the important clash against Manchester City.

Kieran Gibbs: Gibbs will be back in a short while, most probably for the Birmingham City fixture, and Gael Clichy will have to perform at his best, to remain the first choice left back for the Gunners.

Robin Van Persie: Robin van Persie is still some way away from full fitness, and is expected to be fit at the start of November. But then, it would not be a surprise if his return is delayed further than that.

Aaron Ramsey: According to the Wales manager, Aaron Ramsey is not so far away from returning to training, and it is estimated to be three weeks, before he returns to full training. I cannot wait to see the lad back in the red and white strip of Arsenal.

Thomas Vermaelen: Vermaelen's recovery from his injury will take some time, and it is not known when he should be fit for Arsenal.

Manuel Almunia: Almunia could also be fit for the Birmingham clash, but it would be unfair to Fabianski if he does not start in goal against Birmingham City.

Arsenal have to bounce back strongly against Birmingham City

The game against Birmingham City presents Arsenal with an opportunity to improve on their recent dismal performances, and earn all the three points available. Birmingham will fight hard, but at the Emirates, Arsenal should be able to win against them, and close the gap on their rivals. Birmingham's defence is quite strong but Arsenal are known for their attacking play and will take the game to them.

Cesc Fabregas' return will provide the cutting edge that they lacked in the recent encounters. He is one of the most influential players for the Gunners, and his presence will instill belief and confidence in the team. Nicklas Bendtner should also make the squad against Birmingham for the first time in this season, and he will try hard to displace Marouane Chamakh as the second choice striker behind Van Persie.

Arsenal's defence has leaked goals in the absence of the impressive Thomas Vermaelen, and will look to be solid in this important encounter. Laurent Koscielny has shown he has the talent to succeed at the highest level and though Sebastien Squillaci had a bad game against Chelsea, he has had a decent start to his Arsenal career. Johan Djourou is also back to full fitness, and he will probably start against Newcastle for the Carling Cup clash.

Why the Manchester City clash could be the season defining game for Arsenal

The Gunners are currently seven points behind champions and table toppers Chelsea, and they already have a big task on their hands. A defeat against Manchester City will hamper Arsenal's chances for challenging for the title, and they might find themselves embroiled in a battle for a Champions League spot, which they should achieve considering the remarkable talent in their arsenal.

One of the main reasons why Arsenal have not had good results against major teams in the recent past is because of their lack of confidence in these games. It will be a much needed boost to their confidence levels, if they do get a positive result at the hostile City of Manchester stadium. It will not be easy as Chelsea will admit, but Arsenal have potential to beat any team on their day.

Arsenal's defense does not look the strongest, and they will look to improve upon it in the next few weeks. There were some positives to take from the clash at Stamford Bridge, but those positives need to be converted into six important points against Birmingham City and Manchester City, and with the return of key players like Fabregas and Walcott, it is an achievable task for the Gunners.