Dowman Prepared to Face Manchester City as Saka Remains Sidelined

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Max Dowman is ready to start against Manchester City, following the injury that has ruled out Bukayo Saka. Saka has been out of action since the Carabao Cup final last month and will not be available for the crucial match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal's lead over Manchester City has been reduced to six points after their loss to Bournemouth, and they face their title rivals with a game in hand. Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be available despite suffering a knee injury during the midweek match against Sporting, but he is prepared to give 16-year-old Dowman a chance. Dowman has made 11 senior appearances this season and became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March. Arteta expressed his confidence in Dowman, saying, "He will be ready, I am sure. You throw him into any context, this kid, and you know what he will be delivering." Dowman replaced Madueke in the 63rd minute of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting, and Madueke was seen limping afterwards. Arteta said, "We have another training session tomorrow, and it didn't look too bad after the game. He is quite positive, and he is a player who pushes through pain. I am hopeful he can be available, but we will see if he is able to train." The continued absence of Saka is a significant blow to Arsenal, and Arteta rejected suggestions that they could play for a draw at the Etihad Stadium. Instead, he is preparing his team to win and reopen their nine-point lead. Arteta said, "It is certainly the most important game, as it is the next one. 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 acknowledged that Manchester City's Premier League title bid will be over if they lose to Arsenal on Sunday. Guardiola said, "Obviously, if we lose, it's over. 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. 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. We want to challenge them."