Mikel Arteta confirms major injury blow for Premier League title decider.
Mikel Arteta has delivered a worrying update ahead of Arsenal’s biggest game of the season.
The clash with Manchester City could decide the title race.
However, Arsenal will head into the game without one of their most important players. Bukayo Saka has been ruled out of the trip to the Etihad Stadium.
The winger has not played since the Carabao Cup final defeat due to an Achilles injury. Arteta confirmed the news directly. He said:
“Bukayo is out. That is for sure.”
Meanwhile, the timing of the setback is significant. A win would move Arsenal nine points clear with five games left.
At the same time, a defeat will still keep Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table. But City will have a game in hand and by winning that, they could equal Arsenal’s tally.
However, there is some hope elsewhere. Noni Madueke could still be available. The winger was forced off against Sporting with a knee issue. Arteta said:
“It didn’t look that bad… I’m hopeful that he can be available.”
Meanwhile, other injury concerns remain. Martin Odegaard has picked up another knee problem after recently returning. Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are also struggling with knocks.
At the same time, Mikel Merino remains unavailable after foot surgery. Arteta admitted the situation is uncertain. He said some players are close but face a short turnaround.
Meanwhile, there is a boost with Declan Rice. He recovered from illness to feature against Sporting, as Transfer News Live revealed earlier.
Manchester City also have issues. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are ruled out, while John Stones is still a doubt.
However, Arsenal’s setback stands out. And with Bukayo Saka unavailable, Mikel Arteta faces a major challenge ahead of the title decider.