The report says Jurrien Timber is still weeks from a return and William Saliba is expected to miss the start of the season after a back injury. If both are unavailable, Arsenal will have less flexibility in defence and greater pressure on the players asked to cover.
That matters in a one-off match: a makeshift back line can affect how confidently a team holds its shape and builds from deep. Arteta’s selection will offer an early indication of how much risk he is willing to accept before the league campaign begins.
Manchester City face uncertainty across more areas of the pitch, according to the report. Rodri is said to be out, while Savinho is a doubt with illness and Ryan McAidoo has a minor shoulder concern. Erling Haaland, recently back after an extended break, is also reportedly in doubt.
The positions involved create different selection questions. Rodri’s reported absence would leave City without a key midfield option, while uncertainty around Haaland could affect their choices in attack. For Maresca, the balance is between starting with experience and avoiding an unnecessary physical risk so early in the season.
The trophy is immediate, but the broader storyline is how each side manages its available players. The teamsheets in Cardiff should reveal which doubts have eased-and which absences will carry into the opening weeks of the season.