Why isn’t Bukayo Saka playing for Arsenal against Manchester City? Injury update
Arsenal go to the Etihad Stadium today for a crunch top-of-the-table Premier League clash. They’ll be without Saka, however.
Bukayo Saka will again be absent for Arsenal today, as the Gunners visit Manchester City in a clash that’s likely to have a decisive say in the outcome of the Premier League title race.
City close on nervous North Londoners
Arsenal go to the Etihad Stadium as leaders, sitting six points clear of second-placed City. However, Mikel Arteta’s men have played a game more than their hosts, and are on a considerably worse run of form.
Although the North Londoners qualified for the Champions League semifinals in midweek, they have won just one of their last five games in all competitions. It’s a sequence that has included defeat to City in last month’s Carabao Cup final - not to mention a 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth in their most recent Premier League outing.
City, on the other hand, are on a three-game winning streak. Last weekend, the Mancunians took advantage of Bournemouth’s victory at the Emirates Stadium to cut three points off Arsenal’s advantage, thumping Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Why isn’t Saka playing for Arsenal today?
Troubled by an Achilles injury, Saka has now missed Arsenal’s past four games, last featuring for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup final on March 22.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Arteta said the winger will “for sure” remain on the sidelines this weekend, but vowed to deal with the England star’s absence on the right flank. “We’ll have a solution,” the head coach said. “We are so used to this this season, unfortunately, for various reasons. So whatever happens, we’ll have the right solution there.”
Noni Madueke has regularly deputized for Saka, but was himself forced off during Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Sporting CP, after sustaining an apparent knee issue.
Asked about Madueke’s injury, Arteta said he was “hopeful” the 24-year-old will be fit to face City, describing him as a player who “pushes through pain”. “We have another training session tomorrow,” the coach said. “He didn’t look that bad after the game, and he was quite positive.”
Arteta added that Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Ricardo Calafiori are “quite close” to returning from injury, and could be ready to play against City. “Let’s see,” said the Spaniard, who also confirmed that long-term casualty Mikel Merino remains unavailable.
At a glance: Arsenal’s injuries and suspensions
Injured:
- Bukayo Saka (Achilles)
- Mikel Merino (foot)
Doubtful:
- Ricardo Calafiori (knock)
- Noni Madueke (knee)
- Martin Odegaard (knee)
- Jurrien Timber (ankle)
Suspended:
Manchester City vs Arsenal: U.S. kickoff times, how to watch
On matchday 33 of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Manchester City and Arsenal face off today, Sunday, April 19, with kickoff scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT. Viewers in the U.S. can watch the game on NBC, Peacock, Telemundo and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo.
You’ll also have the option of following live-text commentary of City vs Arsenal right here at AS USA.
Arsenal’s last five results:
- April 15: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP, UCL
- April 11: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth, EPL
- April 7: Sporting CP 0-1 Arsenal, UCL
- April 4: Southampton 2-1 Arsenal, FA Cup
- March 22: Arsenal 0-2 Man City, Carabao Cup
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