Despite their 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City would not be worrying about their prospects of winning the Premier League title this season.
Pep Guardiola has won the league six times in nine campaigns at City and he will know more than most that a title race is not decided in two games.
Furthermore, Guardiola’s side could be further bolstered this week as Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Gianluigi Donnarumma to secure his services.
As a result, the Sky Blues have every chance of winning the title.
However, Liverpool have make several statement signings including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike this summer while Arsenal have brought in Eberechi Eze recently as well.
Injured Bukayo Saka could miss Arsenal vs Man City clash
However, a big blow has emerged for the Gunners as BBC Sport have reported Bukayo Saka could be ruled out of action for three to four weeks after suffering a hamstring injury against Leeds United.
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Saka will miss Arsenal’s upcoming clash against Liverpool but taking the timeframe into consideration, he could also be sidelined for the contest at the Emirates Stadium against Manchester City.
Bukayo Saka after suffering an injury during Arsenal v Leeds United
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
While an injury to a fellow player will not be celebrated within the City squad, there is no denying that Mikel Arteta’s side would be weaker in the Englishman’s absence. Manchester City rate Saka highly themselves and while Noni Madueke could deputise in his potential absence, the fact of the matter is that he is their best forward.
If City were to trounce Arsenal after the international break, while a victory may not decide the title race, it could certainly have an impact when looking back at each team’s respective points tallies at the end of the season.
However, the 23-year-old’s record against Pep Guardiola’s men is not the best.
BUKAYO SAKA’S RECORD VS MANCHESTER CITY
APPEARANCES 12
WINS 1
DRAWS 2
LOSSES 9
GOALS 2
ASSISTS 2
Saka, who Stewart Robson lauded as one of the best players in English football has won once, drawn two and lost nine games against Manchester City — with the Arsenal superstar registering two goals and two assists apiece in all the outings
What happened the last time Bukayo Saka was injured for Arsenal vs Man City
However, difference-makers like the Ealing-born winger can turn any game on its head.
From City’s point of view, they will be hoping the FA Cup winner is fit for the contest as the best teams would always be hoping to face the crème-de-la-crème.
The last time Saka missed Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City was in the 2023/2024 season.
On the day, the North Londoners still managed to win 1-0, courtesy of a late winner from Gabriel Martinelli — which proves why the visitors cannot afford to take the game lightly even if the hosts’ poster-boy is injured.