Bukayo Saka cleared to play against Manchester City after limping off against Lens on Wednesday: Reports

If Arsenal wins, they will go top of the Premier League table.

Bukayo Saka cleared to play against Manchester City after limping off against Lens on Wednesday: Reports

Bukayo Saka and Mikel Arteta (Via BR Football & Arsenal)

In their last game, Arsenal suffered their first loss of the season, 2-1, against the French side Lens where Bukayo Saka limping off the pitch raised a cause for concern among the Gooners. Jersey no. 7 has been crucial so far for the Gunners this season. With 4 goals and 2 assists in 7 games, Saka is the top scorer for the Gunners. He also has a goal and 2 assists registered to his name in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, they face rivals and defending champs next, in the Premier League. The clash against Manchester City is crucial for both sides. Either side will go top of the table if they manage to win on Sunday. So, in a game of such stature, the managers would want all of their players to be fit and Mikel Arteta might have been blessed with a piece of positive news.

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Earlier, it was considered that Arsenal would be without their main man, Bukayo Saka owing to serious injury concerns against Lens. Contrary to the same, reports now suggest that the Englishman has been given the green light from the medical team for the Sunday game. Mikel Arteta also said, “Saka is in contention. We will monitor his condition till Sunday.”

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Arsenal has the upper hand against City with the recent Community Shield win offering the Londoners confidence. The Gunners are on the back of a 2-1 defeat. However, the Cityzens are cruising, after a 3-1 win against RB Leipzig.

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How can Arsenal line up against Manchester City?

The return of Bukayo Saka offers Arsenal fans much relief. But the loss against Lens will have made Mikel Arteta rethink his tactics and so, the fans might see a shuffled pack of XI against the defending Champions. An injured Kevin de Bruyne and a suspended Rodri for Manchester City make it Arsenal’s best chance to topple the Cityzens. However, the Gunners aren’t without their own injury woes.

Arsenal players in training ahead of the Manchester City game
Arsenal players in training ahead of the City game (Via X/@Arsenal)

Arteta has favored David Raya in recent matches as No.1 Ramsdale has been sidelined to the bench. Oleksandr Zinchenko is likely to start ahead of Takehiro Tomiyasu at left-back. Ben White will start at right. At center-back, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes pair up for the first time after Saliba’s injury. Meanwhile, the return of Thomas Partey will provide an extra defensive cover in the form of a central defensive midfielder.

Further, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard have cemented their spot to solidify the midfield. Up top, Gabriel Jesus and Martinelli could partner up with Bukayo Saka. Subsequently, Saka’s return will bolster Arsenal’s chances on Sunday.

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