Dowman Ready to Step Up Against Manchester City as Saka Remains Sidelined

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Max Dowman is prepared to start against Manchester City, following the news that Bukayo Saka will miss the crucial match. Saka has been out of action since the Carabao Cup final last month and Arteta has now ruled him out of the upcoming clash at the Etihad Stadium. Meanwhile, Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be available despite suffering a knee injury in the midweek meeting with Sporting. Dowman, who became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March, has impressed Arteta with his performances across 11 senior appearances this season. "He will be ready, I am sure," Arteta said of Dowman. "You throw him into any context, this kid, and you know what he will be delivering." The absence of Saka is a significant blow to Arsenal, who are seeking to reopen their nine-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. Arteta rejected suggestions that his team may play for a draw, insisting that they will prepare to win the match. "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." Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also spoken ahead of the match, acknowledging that his team's title bid will be all but over if they lose to Arsenal. "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."