Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Max Dowman is ready to start against Manchester City on Sunday, following the injury that has kept Bukayo Saka out of action since the Carabao Cup final last month. Saka's absence is a significant blow, but Arteta is confident that Dowman can fill the gap.
The 16-year-old has already made 11 senior appearances this season and became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March. Arteta said, "He will be ready, I am sure.
You throw him into any context, this kid, and you know what he will be delivering. He has shown that this season in whatever games we have used him." Noni Madueke is also a doubt for the game after suffering a knee injury in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting, but Arteta is hopeful that he will be available. The Arsenal manager rejected suggestions that his team could play for a draw at the Etihad Stadium, insisting that he is preparing his team to win and reopen their nine-point lead.
"It is certainly the most important game, as it is the next one," he said. "We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging.
With the possibility to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and manager that this league has ever seen." Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Manchester City's Premier League title bid will be over if they lose to Arsenal on Sunday. "Obviously, if we lose it's over," Guardiola said.
"But there are still games to play. The reality is there are seven games left for us in the Premier League and that is the decisive moment." Guardiola also praised Arsenal, saying that they have been the best team in the Premier League so far this season. "Maybe they are not at their best, but they are the only English team in the Champions League and they have been the best so far," he said.
"We want to challenge them." The game promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to win and gain an advantage in the title race.