Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that winger Noni Madueke has shown positive signs of recovery after being substituted during Wednesday’s Champions League match against Sporting, and he may be fit for the pivotal Premier League encounter against Manchester City on Sunday.
Arsenal currently holds a six-point lead over second-placed City, who have a match in hand. Following a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth last week, Arteta expressed confidence in his squad, despite the absence of winger Bukayo Saka and midfielder Mikel Merino.
Saka has not featured since the League Cup final loss to City last month, while Merino has been recuperating from foot surgery he underwent in February.
“Bukayo is definitely out, and Mikel is ruled out too,” Arteta confirmed to the media on Friday.
“We have one more training session scheduled for tomorrow. Madueke seems to be in good spirits, and he’s a player who is willing to push through the pain. I’m optimistic he might be available, but we’ll assess his ability to train.”
“Saka is just beginning to engage in some activities. We’ll monitor his progress and see how quickly he can return.”
Arteta mentioned that they will evaluate several players who have been absent for recent matches, including Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori, as they aim to strengthen the squad for the weekend.
“Several players are quite close to returning. The turnaround time is brief, and we will push everyone during tomorrow’s session.” added Arteta.
“If any are fit, they will be part of the squad; if not, they won’t be.”
“Whatever happens, we will find a solution. We’re accustomed to dealing with these situations this season.”
Arteta also hinted at the possibility of 16-year-old Max Dowman featuring, who made headlines as the youngest scorer in Premier League history in March.
“He’ll be ready, I’m confident of that. He can handle any situation thrown at him – you know what he brings to the game,” Arteta stated.
Arsenal is on the hunt for their first Premier League title in 22 years, and Arteta underscored the significance of securing all three points on Sunday to maintain their title challenge.
“It’s undoubtedly the most crucial game, simply because it’s the next one. We’ve worked hard to be in this position, competing at the top,” he explained.
“We won’t be entertaining any thoughts of playing for a draw. Every match we prepare for is aimed at winning, and that’s how we’ve reached where we are.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
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