Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that Max Dowman is ready to start against Manchester City, following the ruling out of Bukayo Saka due to injury. Saka has been sidelined since the Carabao Cup final last month and will not be available for the crucial clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Meanwhile, Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be fit to play despite suffering an apparent knee injury in the midweek meeting with Sporting. Dowman, 16, has 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.' The Arsenal manager also rejected suggestions that his team could play for a draw, insisting he is preparing them to win and reopen their nine-point lead. Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, has accepted that Manchester City's Premier League title bid will be over if they lose to Arsenal. The Spaniard added that while an Arsenal win would end City's title challenge, there could still be plenty of twists and turns ahead with half a dozen games left to play.