Arsenal handed huge injury concern ahead of Man City clash following Champions League defeat

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka limped off during the Gunners’ 2-1 UEFA Champions League defeat at RC Lens just days before a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta’s side welcome last season’s treble winners to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon but are now sweating over the fitness of one of their key men.

Saka was replaced by Fabio Vieira in the 34th minute of the Champions League contest having provided the assist for Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal took the lead in France. The Gunners went on to lose the game after goals from Adrien Thomasson and Elye Wahi.

Saka has been a key figure for Arsenal in recent seasons and has started the club’s last 87 Premier League games, dating back to May 2021. He was withdrawn late on in the 4-0 win over Bournemouth with a knock to his foot but was put in from the start on Tuesday night.

Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted of Saka’s injury: “It doesn’t look good.”

Arsenal and City went toe-to-toe for the title last season but Pep Guardiola’s side won both league meetings between the clubs, securing a 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium and then a 4-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium in April.

Just one point separates the sides after seven games this term, with City winning six of their opening seven games while losing the other. Arsenal have won five of their matches and drawn the other two.

Kevin De Bruyne will miss Sunday’s Premier League clash as he continues to recover from a long-term injury while Rodri will also be unavailable as he serves the final game of his three-match ban following his red card against Nottingham Forest.

Before City turn their focus to Arsenal, they travel to Germany for their next Champions League fixture at RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening.