Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Tue 14 April 2026 16:30, UK

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Bukayo Saka has already missed Arsenal‘s last three matches, and the England international could also be absent against Manchester City.

The Gunners were booted out of the FA Cup by Southampton, beat Sporting CP in a Champions League quarter-final first leg, and were knocked out of their race for the Premier League title by Bournemouth.

Mikel Arteta’s side have clearly felt his absence, alongside Jurrien Timber and Eberechi Eze, and they may have no choice but to push on without their star right winger at the Etihad Stadium.

Of course, the team’s main focus will be on overcoming Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium. Still, eyes will already be shifting to the Premier League title race, and Arsenal’s injury list continues to get longer.

Mikel Arteta faces huge decision ahead of Man City clash

While Arteta attempts to remain optimistic ahead of the gigantic Premier League clash on Sunday, 19 April, it does feel like the 24-year-old winger could be set to miss the title-deciding game.

Following their defeat to Bournemouth, Pep Guardiola’s side are just six points behind with a game in hand, and should the Gunners slip up again, the two rivals could be level on points.

Both Noni Madueke and Max Dowman could become heroes by making the right-wing position their own, and the Arsenal boss might be relieved not to have to drop his biggest name at the Etihad Stadium.

With nine goals and five assists this season, Saka’s numbers have dropped significantly, and it is clear that he’s lacking confidence despite his team’s success. A trip to the Etihad is the last thing he needs.

Bukayo Saka could be missing through injury, but it might be a good thing

The academy graduate has a horrendous record against the Citizens, especially in the Premier League, ending on the winning side just once in his 14 meetings with Man City.

He has recorded just four goal contributions in that time, losing 10 of the 14 games since the 2019-20 campaign, and that is far from the omen that a player out of confidence needs right now.

Arteta might find it impossible to drop Saka were he to be fit against Man City, so the winger being sidelined by injury might be a blessing in disguise for the manager who is under crushing pressure.

It is impossible to predict what Arteta’s future might hold if Arsenal finish the 2025-26 campaign without any silverware, but right now, that feels like a very real prospect in North London.