Max Dowman is ready to face Man City if needed with Bukayo Saka ruled out due to injury, says Mikel Arteta

17 April 2026, 11:03 | Updated: 17 April 2026, 14:45

Mikel Arteta said Max Dowman is "ready" to start if needed after ruling Bukayo Saka out of Sunday's clash with Manchester City.

Saka has not featured since last month's Carabao Cup final and Arteta has confirmed he will not be available at the Etihad Stadium for a game described as a "final" by Pep Guardiola.

Arsenal's lead over Manchester City was cut to six points after last weekend's defeat to Bournemouth and they face their title rivals, live on Sky Sports, having played a game more.

Arteta hopes to have Noni Madueke available despite the winger suffering an apparent knee injury in Wednesday's meeting with Sporting but insists he won't hesitate to use 16-year-old Dowman.

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