Bukayo Saka's Highly Anticipated Return: Arsenal vs Man City Clash

Mikel Arteta has stated that despite limping off with an injury during Arsenal's loss to Lens in the Champions League, Bukayo Saka is still in consideration for their upcoming match against Manchester City on Super Sunday. Saka left the pitch clutching his leg during the 34th minute of Tuesday's Group B game, prompting Arteta to express concern over a "muscular" problem.

However, the 22-year-old was recently included in Gareth Southgate's England team. During his press conference on Friday, Arteta expressed that the player has a chance to participate in the upcoming match against City, which will be aired live on We. "He is being considered," Arteta stated. "We will monitor his development until Sunday."

Arsenal

Manchester City

Sunday 8th October 4:00pm

Kick off 4:30pm

He had to exit the field, which is always unfortunate. However, we shall wait and observe his recovery progress.

When prodded for further information, Arteta simply echoed, "Still in consideration! I can't provide medical insights. That's what I was informed."

Asked about Saka's England call-up and whether he would ask for the forward's minutes to be limited, Arteta said: "I have spoken to Gareth [Southgate] on several occasions.

I am responsible for delivering news updates and providing information about everyone's current positions. We have a strong communication system in place.

It is his responsibility to make the optimal decision for the national team, and I will refrain from interfering in that matter.

Arteta also announced that Thomas Partey will be fit to play against City, as he has recovered from a groin injury at a faster pace than anticipated.

Despite not playing since August, the Ghanaian midfielder was present on the bench during the 2-1 defeat against Lens. Arteta confirmed that Partey will be part of the squad that will take on Pep Guardiola's team.

"He is ahead of schedule that's for sure," he said. "We couldn't play him on Tuesday because we had a lot of necessities. He will be in the squad [against Manchester City]."

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Arsenal emerged victorious against Manchester City in the Community Shield, triumphing in a penalty shootout. Despite a record of 12 consecutive losses to Manchester City in the Premier League, Arteta believes that their win in August's Community Shield instilled a newfound sense of belief within the team.

"That was a crucial victory for us," he stated. "To triumph against City, a team that demands respect, is something we must truly appreciate. It instills in us the belief and assurance that we are capable of defeating them."

Arteta downplayed the importance of Arsenal's 12-game losing streak to them in the Premier League and dismissed the notion that the outcome could determine the course of the season.

"We are not delving into the past too deeply as these players were not involved in those previous games," he stated regarding the string of defeats.

"To have a shot at success, we must perform at our peak for a full 100 minutes."

The fragment rewritten in a better way:

"Besides the three points, it would provide a significant boost in terms of energy and confidence. Arteta is prepared for tactical surprises from Guardiola, as shown in City's 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium last season, where Bernardo Silva was deployed as a left-back."

When asked about the last time the City boss surprised him, he expressed that he may have had higher expectations for Bernardo's role as a left-back. Normally, the boss tends to make such modifications in important matches against formidable opponents. This season, their ability to make adjustments both before and during games has proven to be a significant strength.

Arteta: Community Shield win gives us belief

Furthermore, due to Rodri's suspension, Man City suffered a defeat in their previous league match against Wolves, which might provide Arsenal with a glimmer of hope that they are facing the champions at an opportune moment.

City's impressive ability to avoid consecutive league losses since 2018 highlights the immense challenge Arsenal faces in securing a victory on Sunday. When informed about this remarkable record, Guardiola expressed his admiration, remarking, "We have achieved something truly exceptional."

"The manager is so good!" he added, joking.

Guardiola believes Arsenal, the closest challengers to City last season, are one of the big title contenders again this time out.

"Arsenal have made a comeback," he exclaimed. "During my younger days at Barcelona, Arsenal were consistently present, battling it out with Sir Alex Ferguson's teams. And now, they are back in top form. If you examine the schedule, visiting the Emirates Stadium is considered one of the most challenging encounters.

"They possess a distinct style and are an exceptional team," he further acknowledged. "They fought tooth and nail to become champions, and now they have resurfaced once more."

When asked about Arsenal's strength, he responded, "I cannot say for certain as I am not privy to their internal conversations. I am familiar with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus, but I am not acquainted with the rest. However, I must acknowledge that their recruitment of players such as David Raya, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice is of exceptional quality. Overall, they are a formidable team."

Currently, City is still missing John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne as they persist in their rehabilitation from injuries.

Guardiola said De Bruyne is improving and will be back "hopefully sooner than expected".

Stones, who was called up by England manager Gareth Southgate, is not fit to play on Sunday.

"Stones is not ready to play," said Guardiola. "Maybe for the national team but not for us."