Arsenal suffer major Bukayo Saka injury blow ahead of huge Man City clash

Arsenal will be sweating on the fitness of Bukayo Saka for next week's trip to Manchester City after the winger withdrew from England duty.

Saka joined up with the England squad earlier this week ahead of friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in what is the final international break of the season. The winger was one of a handful of players to undergo an individual training session on Wednesday when most of the group were out together.

Arsenal travel to the Etihad next Sunday as Premier League leaders but there is only one point between themselves and City in third. And now Arteta will welcome an injured Saka back to London with concerns he could be unavailable to face the Blues.

A statement on England's website on Thursday evening read: "Bukayo Saka has left the England camp and returned to his club for continued rehabilitation.  The Arsenal forward reported to St. George's Park with an injury and has been unable to participate in training. No further replacements are planned as a 25-man England squad continue their preparation for the forthcoming internationals with Brazil and Belgium."

Saka played the full 90 minutes of Arsenal's final game before the international break, a 2-1 win over Brentford on March 9. The Gunners had no fixture last weekend as their scheduled meeting with Chelsea was postponed due to the latter's FA Cup commitments.

It is unclear how serious Saka's injury is but the 22-year-old is facing a race against time to be fit for next Sunday's huge clash. The winger has been managing small issues throughout the campaign but still managed to start 27 of his side's 28 league games.

The visit of Arsenal to the Etihad looks set to be one of the season's biggest games, with the possibility that either finish the weekend top of the Premier League. Liverpool could also claim first-place if City and Arsenal draw while they beat Brighton.