Arsenal's title charge faces a massive test this weekend, and they'll have to face it without their main man. Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that star winger Bukayo Saka will miss Sunday's crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City.

Saka, the Gunners' attacking talisman, has been sidelined with an Achilles issue since the Carabao Cup final on March 22nd. Arteta revealed the 22-year-old has been "carrying" the problem "for a while," a worrying note for a player so vital to Arsenal's fluid attack.

While the manager initially hoped the injury would be a matter of "days not weeks," Saka's return timeline remains unclear. He is "starting to do some stuff" in training, but his absence at the Etihad is a confirmed blow for a match that could define the season.

In his absence, the spotlight turns to Noni Madueke. However, the potential replacement is also a fitness doubt after being forced off in the midweek match against Sporting. Arteta expressed hope that Madueke's knock isn't serious, but his availability hangs in the balance ahead of the season's biggest game yet.

The injury news doesn't stop there. Arteta offered little clarity on the status of other key players like Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, and captain Martin Ødegaard, stating a decision will be made after Saturday's training. With the title race on a knife-edge, Arsenal's depth and resilience are about to be tested like never before.