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, following the ruling out of Bukayo Saka due to injury. Saka has been absent since the Carabao Cup final last month and will not be available for the crucial clash at the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal's lead over Manchester City has been reduced to six points after their recent defeat 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 in the meeting with Sporting, but he is prepared to use 16-year-old Dowman if needed. Dowman has made 11 senior appearances this season, becoming the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March. Arteta stated, '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 Arteta is optimistic about Madueke's availability for the Manchester City game. The continued absence of Saka is a significant blow, and Arteta has rejected suggestions that Arsenal could play for a draw at the Etihad Stadium, insisting that he is preparing his team to win and reopen their nine-point lead. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has accepted that Manchester City's Premier League title bid will be over if they lose to Arsenal, but he believes that there could still be twists and turns ahead with several games left to play.