Mikel Arteta said Max Dowman is “ready” to start if needed after ruling Bukayo Saka out of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.
Saka has not featured since last month’s Carabao Cup final and Arteta has confirmed he will not be available at the Etihad Stadium for a game described as a “final” by Pep Guardiola.
Arsenal’s lead over Manchester City was cut to six points after last weekend’s defeat to Bournemouth and they face their title rivals, live on Sky Sportshaving played a game more.
Arteta hopes to have Noni Madueke available despite the winger suffering an apparent knee injury in Wednesday’s meeting with Sporting but insists he won’t hesitate to use 16-year-old Dowman.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Watch Max Dowman’s record-breaking goal against Everton
Dowman has impressed across 11 senior appearances this season and became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March, aged 16 years and 73 days.
“He will be ready, I am sure,” said Arteta at his press conference.
“You throw him into any context, this kid, and you know what he will be delivering.
“He has shown that this season in whatever games we have used him.”
Dowman was Madueke’s 63rd-minute replacement in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting and the England international was seen limping afterwards.
Sunday 19th April 4:00pm
Kick off 4:30pm
“We have another training session tomorrow and it didn’t look too bad after the game,” added Arteta.
“He is quite positive, and he is a player who pushes through pain.
“I am hopeful he can be available but we will see if he is able to train.”
The continued absence of Saka is a blow, regardless. Like captain Martin Odegaard, another injury doubt to face City, and the fit-again Kai Havertz, he has endured an injury-hit campaign.
“He is just starting to do some stuff,” said Arteta. “Let’s see that progression and how quickly we can go through. At the moment, he is not available.”
Arteta: We always play to win
Arteta rejected suggestions that Arsenal could play for a draw at the Etihad Stadium, insisting he is preparing his team to win and reopen their nine-point lead.
“It is certainly the most important game, as it is the next one,” he said when asked if he views the game as the biggest of his Arsenal tenure.
“We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging. With the possibility to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and manager that this league has ever seen.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Can Arsenal win a title-defining game on Sunday against Manchester City? They have history…
“That is a huge privilege. We cannot wait to play the game and we are going to prepare to win. We see it as a big opportunity for us.
“We are not going to spend one second about that (playing for a draw). We prepare every game to win and that is why we are where we are. We will do the same.
“Our team has to give every tool to go and win it. We have a strong opponent in front us. We know what we have to do.”
