Arteta Confident in Dowman's Readiness to Face Manchester City as Saka Remains Sidelined

Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence in Max Dowman's ability to start against Manchester City, should he be needed, following the confirmation that Bukayo Saka will miss the upcoming match. Saka has been out of action since the Carabao Cup final last month, and Arteta has now ruled him out of the clash at the Etihad Stadium, which Pep Guardiola has described as a 'final'. Arsenal's lead over Manchester City has been reduced to six points after their defeat to Bournemouth, and they face their title rivals having played one more game. Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be available despite suffering a knee injury in the meeting with Sporting, but he is prepared to use 16-year-old Dowman if necessary. Dowman has made 11 senior appearances this season and became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March, aged 16 years and 73 days. 'He will be ready, I am sure,' Arteta said. '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 the England international was seen limping afterwards. 'We have another training session tomorrow and it didn't look too bad after the game,' Arteta added. '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 absence of Saka is a significant blow, and Arteta rejected suggestions that Arsenal could play for a draw at the Etihad Stadium, insisting 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. That is a huge privilege. We cannot wait to play the game and we are going to prepare to win. We see it as a big opportunity for us.' Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has accepted 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. 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.' Guardiola also revealed that Ruben Dias will continue to miss out, but Nico O'Reilly will be available despite doubts over a hamstring problem. Arsenal are seeking their first top-flight crown since the 2003-04 season and have been accused of pragmatism over excitement and relying on their skill at set-pieces. 'People are so demanding,' Guardiola said. 'From the media, supporters, everyone. I enjoy watching them. I learn a lot in many things. People what they want is to win and we'll fight. An aspect that is really, really important that we cannot fight against is 22 years without winning the Premier League. They have something that makes them unique.'