Dowman Prepared to Face Manchester City as Saka Remains Sidelined

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Max Dowman is ready to start against Manchester City, following the news that Bukayo Saka will be unavailable due to injury. Saka has been out of action since the Carabao Cup final last month and will not be able to participate in the upcoming match against City at the Etihad Stadium, a game described by Pep Guardiola as a 'final'. Arsenal's lead over Manchester City has been reduced to six points after their recent loss to Bournemouth, and they will face their title rivals with one more game played. Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be available despite suffering an apparent knee injury during the meeting with Sporting, but he will not hesitate to use 16-year-old Dowman if needed. Dowman has made 11 senior appearances this season and became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March. 'He will be ready, I am sure,' Arteta stated at his press conference. '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. 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 he 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, Pep Guardiola has accepted that Manchester City's Premier League title bid will be over if they lose to Arsenal in Sunday's crucial match between the top two teams. Guardiola added that while an Arsenal win at the Etihad Stadium this weekend would end City's title challenge, there could still be plenty of twists and turns ahead with half a dozen games left to play.