Dowman Ready to Face Manchester City as Saka Remains Sidelined

Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence in Max Dowman's ability to start against Manchester City, following the confirmation that Bukayo Saka will miss the crucial match. Saka has been out of action since the Carabao Cup final last month and will not be available for the game at the Etihad Stadium, which Pep Guardiola has described as a 'final'. With Arsenal's lead over Manchester City reduced to six points after their defeat to Bournemouth, the pressure is on Arteta's team to deliver against their title rivals. Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be available despite suffering a knee injury in the midweek meeting with Sporting, but he is prepared to give 16-year-old Dowman a chance to shine. Dowman has made 11 senior appearances this season, including a record-breaking goal against Everton in March, and Arteta believes he is ready for the challenge. '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.' The absence of Saka is a significant blow, but Arteta is focusing on the players available to him and is preparing his team to win. '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, Guardiola has acknowledged that Manchester City's title bid will be all but over if they lose to Arsenal. 'Obviously, if we lose it's over,' he 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.'