Why is Bukayo Saka not playing for Arsenal vs. Manchester City?
Why is Bukayo Saka not playing for Arsenal vs. Manchester City?
Seth Vertelney, USA TODAYSun, April 19, 2026 at 10:04 AM UTC
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Arsenal will be forced to play Manchester City in a season-defining match without star winger Bukayo Saka.
Saka has missed the last four matches for Arsenal as he deals with an Achilles problem, and won't be fit in time for the potential title decider on Sunday, April 19.
At his pregame press conference on Friday, April 17, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “Bukayo is out, that is for sure."
Earlier in the week, Arteta said the injury was “something he was carrying for a while. It was an Achilles issue. There is progression, but hopefully (he will be back in) days not weeks.”
Saka isn't the only fitness concern for Arsenal heading into the game at the Etihad Stadium.
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Noni Madueke, who could start in Saka's place, is also in doubt after he was forced off in a midweek Champions League draw against Sporting CP.
“We have another training session,” Arteta said on Madueke. “It didn’t look that bad after the game. I am hopeful he can be available but we have to wait and see.”
1 / 0Best Premier League action, scenes and drama from 2025-26 seasonDominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United misses a headed chance while under pressure from Leny Yoro of Manchester United at Old Trafford on April 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. Leeds United won the match, 2-1.
Arteta said that there would be late calls on Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Ødegaard.
Arsenal comes into the match six points clear of Manchester City, which has a game in hand.
City coach Pep Guardiola has said of the title race: "If we lose [against Arsenal], it's over."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bukayo Saka injury: Why is Arsenal star not playing vs. Man City?
Source: “AOL Sports”
