Saka injury update as Arteta shares latest on six Arsenal stars for Man City

Bukayo Saka and Ben White were both missing for Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Athletic Club in the Champions League, and Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the pair ahead of the Manchester City clash

Mikel Arteta has delivered a fresh update on Bukayo Saka’s fitness and revealed the Arsenal winger could be back in contention for Sunday’s blockbuster clash vs Manchester City. Saka hasn’t appeared since last month’s 5-0 triumph at home to Leeds United after suffering a hamstring injury.

At the time, Arteta stated that the 23-year-old would be sidelined for a “couple of weeks”. He was absent for the journey to Liverpool, both England fixtures during the September international break and the most recent two matches since the two-week pause.

Speculation has emerged that Saka might return for Arsenal’s encounter with City at the Etihad Stadium and Arteta suggested he could be back in the frame.

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When questioned about Saka and Ben White, both of whom were missing against Athletic Club, Arteta revealed in his pre-match press conference: “If there is a chance, it will be after tomorrow’s session as they haven’t done anything yet, so we’ll have more information tomorrow.”

White was back amongst the substitutes for the Forest fixture following a knock, but he was omitted from the matchday squad for the midweek Champions League victory at San Mames with an undisclosed problem, reports Football London.

Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino sustained head knocks in the 2-0 triumph in Bilbao on Tuesday but both players are ready to face City. “Yeah they are fine, they will be available,” Arteta confirmed.

William Saliba picked up a problem against Liverpool before the international break. Regarding Saliba’s fitness, Arteta commented: “Let’s see, obviously he has been carrying an injury. He’s done really well to be available for the last match. He’s really pushing it, so we’ll decide tomorrow what’s the best start.”

Meanwhile, Odegaard was forced off in the first half of last Saturday’s 3-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest after suffering another shoulder problem.

Speaking after the match, Arteta confirmed it was the same shoulder the Norwegian, who was absent from Tuesday’s clash in Bilbao, had damaged against Leeds.

Providing further updates on Saka, Odegaard and White, Arteta concluded: “Because everything has been modified so far for them and there’s still a few things to clear and tomorrow we’ll have more information whether they are part of the squad, they have a chance to be part of the squad or not.”

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus continue as Arsenal’s lengthy absentees.

Havertz damaged his knee during the opening weekend victory at Manchester United and is expected to remain sidelined for at least another eight weeks, whilst Jesus faces a battle against time to return before the end of 2025 after tearing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

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