Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the absence of Bukayo Saka for the Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The England international has been out of action since the Carabao Cup final loss to the Cityzens. He did report for training on international duty, but returned early to the Gunners.
The decision was deemed precautionary at the time, but the winger has since missed four straight games across all competitions and won’t play any part against Man City on the road.
Speaking in today’s press conference, Arteta said that Saka is definitely out of Sunday’s much-awaited encounter, given the 24-year-old has just returned to the grass after an extended lay-off.
He told reporters: “Bukayo is out, that’s for sure. 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 about that.”
In Saka’s absence, Noni Madueke has been the regular on the right side of the Gunners’ attack.
The ex-Chelsea man recovered quickly from a minor knee injury on international duty, but he is currently doubtful for Sunday, having suffered another knock to his knee against Sporting CP in midweek.
Arsenal have a final training session on Saturday, and Madueke’s availability for the game could depend on whether he can train without pain. The winger will undergo a late fitness test.
If he is deemed unfit to make the XI, we won’t be surprised if the manager is prepared to hand Max Dowman his maiden league start for the Gunners on the right wing against Man City.
The 16-year-old wonderkid has been mesmerising to watch with his quick movement and dribbling skills from the right flank, and could prove his big-game potential against the Cityzens.
Arsenal are six points ahead of Man City at the top of the league table, but the latter have a game in hand. The Gunners need to avoid a defeat to keep their title destiny in their hands.
Otherwise, the title race could be decided on goal difference if both teams win their remaining matches.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com