The Reason Bukayo Saka Sits Out Arsenal's Crucial Clash Against Man City

Sunday's clash at Manchester City is poised to define not just Arsenal's season, but potentially the entire legacy of manager Mikel Arteta.

Escaping without a defeat would provide a massive lift to their Premier League title aspirations, while a loss could cement yet another late-season stumble and fuel a narrative that threatens to consume the Gunners entirely.

The pressure could not be greater for Arsenal, but unfortunately for Arteta, he enters Sunday's fixture without key man Bukayo Saka on the right flank.

Here's everything you need to know about the Englishman's unavailability.

Why Bukayo Saka Isn't Playing for Arsenal vs. Man City

Arsenal supporters haven't seen Saka in action since the Carabao Cup final loss to City, after which the winger flagged an issue with his Achilles.

Achilles injuries have been a hot topic lately following Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitiké's diagnosis with a rupture. The French forward is expected to be sidelined for at least nine months with an injury widely regarded as one of the most serious in professional football.

Thankfully for Saka, his Achilles issue is far less serious. The 24-year-old has been managing discomfort for some time and reached his limit during the cup final, necessitating a spell on the sidelines to recover.

"Bukayo is out, that's for sure," Arteta told reporters ahead of Sunday's pivotal encounter.

When Will Bukayo Saka Return for Arsenal?

While Saka's Achilles concern is known to be minor, there has been no significant update on the winger's status since he was ruled out.

Arteta did confirm that Saka is "just starting to do some stuff" during his most recent press conference, suggesting the winger has returned to the grass, though he is clearly not yet ready to resume full training.

"Let's see that progression, how quickly we can go through it, and then wait, but at the moment it's not about that," the Arsenal manager explained, emphasizing his desire to give Saka the necessary time to heal.

"We've had to cope with [injuries] all season and if you look back at the stages and the players that we've missed for big, big, big periods and where we are, it's not normal where we are. 

"But we have coped with that because of our mentality and the solutions that we find, the way the players have stepped up in this moment. And we are where we are. We are still very strong and we will remain the same way."

Arsenal's Remaining Fixtures