However, the 30-year-old has not trained since after suffering cramp late in the game and manager Kevin Keegan admitted the Israeli international was struggling to face the Gunners.

“Eyal hasn’t trained since the Old Trafford game but he is due to come back this week and I will have a look at his fitness then,” Keegan told www.mcfc.co.uk

If Berkovic does not make it, Algerian duo Ali Benarbia and Djamel Belmadi will battle it out for the right to come into the side against Arsene Wenger’s title-chasers, who are looking for back-to-back wins in the north west city after knocking United out of the FA Cup last week.

Keegan has pencilled Costa Rican striker Paulo Wanchope in for the Premiership clash against Birmingham on March 16 after a successful return to training.

The unpredictable front man has not appeared for the Blues since picking up a knee injury in the FA Cup defeat at Newcastle 12 months ago, although he did appear for his country during the summer World Cup.

Wanchope finally joined his team-mates on the training ground last week and if the 26-year-old continues to progress at the present rate, Keegan hopes he will be involved against Steve Bruce’s side.

“Paulo is not ready yet but his training has been fantastic,” said the City chief.

“We have the first week in March pencilled down for his return and we are hopeful he will be fine by then.”