Arsenal vs Man City: Mikel Arteta gives injury update on Bukayo Saka as Pep Guardiola rules out defender

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Bukayo Saka could be available to face Manchester City on Sunday.

The Arsenal winger has been struggling with injuries for a number of weeks and was replaced in the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Lens. It was initially presumed he would be out for this weekend’s game, but his inclusion in the England squad on Thursday offered hope to Arsenal fans.

Speaking in Friday’s press conference, Arteta revealed Saka may play some part at the Emirates this weekend: “He is in contention, we'll see how he progresses from here to Sunday. Obviously he had to leave the pitch [against Lens], that's never good news, but let's see how he recovers.

Should Saka be ruled out of Sunday's game, it would bring to an end his 87-match run of consecutive league appearances for the Gunners. Gabriel Martinelli is expected to miss out through injury, while Jurrien Timber is definitely unavailable due to an ACL injury.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola said in his press conference that John Stones, who was also named in Gareth Southgate’s squad, will not be fit to feature on Sunday. The centre-back has not played in the league this season due to a hip issue, but was named on the bench for the midweek Champions League win over RB Leipzig.

Despite that, Guardiola said Stones isn't an option for the trip to Arsenal. “No. He's not ready to play. Maybe for the national team, but not us,” explained the City boss.

Guardiola also gave a positive update on Kevin De Bruyne, who has not played since the opening night of the season. The Belgian suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury from last campaign and was not expected to return until the new year, but Guardiola said City’s no.17 is ahead of schedule.

“Kevin comes in at different times, either before training or for his treatment,” he said. “After training he sees physios, and so on. Of course I see him every day and he's getting better, and his mood is good. Hopefully [he will be back] sooner than expected he will be back.”

Other than Stones and De Bruyne, Rodri is City’s only absentee for the top-of-the-table encounter at the Emirates, with the midfielder suspended following his red card against Nottingham Forest.