Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on January 19, 2026 in London Colney, England
Bukayo Saka during Arsenal training at the Sobha Realty Centre
Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Bukayo Saka ahead of Arsenal's clash against Manchester City. The 24-year-old winger hasn't featured for the since before the international break.
He was thought to have been rested when Arsenal lost to Southampton in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. But, Saka was left out of the matchday squad in each of the three games that followed, missing the first and second leg ties against Sporting, as well as the defeat to Bournemouth.
Speaking to reporters at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday afternoon, . The Spaniard said: "Bukayo is out. That is for sure."
Arteta later added: "I don't know the situation beforehand, but I take the opportunity to hope he recovers very soon because I think he's a tremendous player.
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"With B, we are handling it to protect the play first of all and then to perform as well as he possibly can. The idea is that we can possibly deliver that, so that's a challenge."
On whether Saka has been able to train on the grass, Arteta said: "He's just starting to do some stuff so let's see that progression, how quickly we can go through it and then wait. But at the moment it's not available."
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Arsenal could be without some big names when they lock horns with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber all facing late fitness tests.
When quizzed on the trio who missed the goalless draw to Sporting on Wednesday night, Arteta said: "Yeah, we will try again. Some players are quite close, but the turnaround is short, so we will try tomorrow to push everybody, and if they are in good condition, they will be part of us and if not they won't.
"They haven't been there in the last few weeks unfortunately," added the Arsenal boss. The Gunners will still be without Mikel Merino, .
During the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, . The 24-year-old winger was forced to come off after .
After receiving some on-field medical treatment, Madueke limped off the pitch, briefly took a seat on the bench before down the tunnel. Upon the full-time whistle, .
On Madueke, Arteta said: "Well, we have another training session tomorrow so he didn't look that bad after the game and he was quite positive.
Noni Madueke picked up an injury during Arsenal's clash against Sporting on Wednesday night (Image: 2026 Allstar)
"He's a player that pushes through pain so I'm hopeful that he can be available but we have to wait and see if he's able to join tomorrow."
Arsenal have the opportunity to restore their nine point lead at the top of the Premier League this weekend. On the clash, the Gunners boss said: "It is certainly the most important one because it is the next one.
"We have earned the opportunity to win against arguably the best team and the best manager this league has ever seen. We will prepare the game to win it, that is for sure.
Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola are battling it out for the Premier League title. (Image: 2024 Getty Images)
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at the City Football Academy, . He said: "I said today to the players, it is just a football game and we have to approach it like a football game.
"If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus. What is the target? It is to perform well and that is exactly what you have got to do and all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal.
"We need to get even better. The first half against Chelsea was not bad but not great. The first 30 minutes against Liverpool was not good either. The first 30 minutes against Arsenal in the final they were better.
"You cannot pretend that these kinds of teams will be 90/95 minutes perfect, but this one aspect is not about the future, present or past, it’s about confidence, which is an incredible aspect.
"If you could buy confidence in a supermarket we would buy it immediately. It is one of the most important aspects. The reality is, there are seven games left in the Premier League and that is the decisive moment."
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.