The reason for Saka’s absence is a lingering Achilles injury, which has caused the winger to miss all games since the EFL Cup final, precisely against Manchester City, on March 22. Saka is undoubtedly one of the best players on the Arsenal roster.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described Saka’s issue as something of “days not weeks” but this has spanned for a month now. The fact is Noni Madueke will once again have to come in and try to produce the best results in Saka’s absence. Follow all things related to Manchester City vs Arsenal live here.

This match could decide the winner of the 2025-2026 Premier League

While the Premier League is a league format, this feels like a final, even though five games will remain after this. However, this could very well decide who wins this year’s edition. Arsenal have 70 points in 32 games, while City have 64 in 31 outings.

This means that if Manchester City win, they would have 67 points, just three below Arsenal, but with one game in hand that, if City win (vs. Crystal Palace), would put them at first place due to goal difference.

How’s the recent history between Arsenal and Man City?

Man City won the latest game between the two less than a month ago for the EFL Cup final with a comfortable 2-0 thanks to a Nico O’Reilly brace. In the first half of the Premier League, they drew 1-1 at the Emirates.

There was a span, from October 17, 2020 to April 26, 2023, where City won eight games in a row. The most one-sided game between the two teams in recent memory was a 5-1 victory for Arsenal on February 2025.

Saka is sidelined with an ongoing Achilles issue that has required careful load management in recent weeks, while Odegaard’s absence is linked to a knee issue sustained during the first leg in Lisbon.

Timber, meanwhile, remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a muscle-related issue following a long spell out earlier in the season. With all three players ruled out, the team is forced into significant adjustments. A win, tie or loss won’t mean the same for Arsenal against Sporting CP today.

How and when did Arsenal players get injured?

Bukayo Saka’s situation comes from an ongoing Achilles problem linked to heavy workload management, which has flared up during the closing stretch of the season.

Reports from the medical staff indicate the issue was monitored for several matches before he was ultimately ruled out of the Sporting CP tie after not being included in full training sessions ahead of kickoff.

Martin Odegaard picked up a knee “niggle” during the first leg, where he was substituted and later reported discomfort that prevented him from recovering in time. Despite initial hopes, he did not return to group training.

Jurrien Timber’s case is different, as he is still recovering from a longer-term injury setback that has limited his minutes throughout the season, with Arsenal continuing to manage his return carefully to avoid relapse.

When will they return to action?

There is still no fixed return date for Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard or Jurrien Timber, with the team managing all three injuries on a short-term assessment basis ahead of a packed end to the season.

According to the latest team updates, Saka is expected to be monitored day-by-day, with Mikel Arteta previously suggesting a return could depend entirely on how he responds to workload tests rather than a set timeline.

Odegaard’s recovery is considered more positive, as the Arsenal captain is dealing with a knee knock. Reports indicate he is progressing well, but the club opted not to rush him back for the second leg.

Timber remains the most carefully managed case, as he continues his rehabilitation from a longer-term injury setback. Staff is taking a conservative approach, meaning his return will depend on full medical clearance.

How have they performed in the 2026 season?

Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber have all been key contributors for Arsenal during the 2026 season when available, playing important roles in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

Saka has been Arsenal’s main outlet in the final third throughout the season, regularly starting on the right wing and driving the team forward in transition moments.

His game has been built around 1v1 situations, cutting inside onto his left foot and generating chances either as a scorer or provider. Odegaard has operated as the central control point of Arsenal’s midfield.

His 2026 season has been marked by high involvement in possession phases, especially in matches where Arsenal face low defensive blocks, where he is tasked with accelerating circulation and unlocking tight spaces through short combinations and final passes.

Timber’s value has been tactical rather than statistical: helping them build from the back under pressure, stepping into midfield lines during possession, and offering defensive coverage in wide transitions. Even with limited minutes, his inclusion has given flexibility in both defensive shape and build-up structure.

Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that neither player was available for selection ahead of the trip to Lisbon, forcing the team to adjust its attacking setup for one of the most important matches of their season.

According to reports, the club has been cautious with their recovery. With both players unavailable, the head coach must rely on squad depth and tactical adjustments to keep Arsenal competitive in the first leg away from home.

How did Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze get injured?

According to multiple team updates ahead of kickoff, Bukayo Saka’s issue is linked to muscle fatigue and a recurring lower-body problem that has forced him to miss training sessions and previous matches, including international duty.

The club has been managing his workload carefully after a demanding stretch across domestic and European competitions. Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze’s absence is the result of a calf-related injury that flared up after he was forced off during a recent match.

Reports indicate that the midfielder had been dealing with discomfort for several days, and the medical staff ultimately decided he was not fit enough to travel with the squad for this crucial European fixture.

When will Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze return to play?

Bukayo Saka is expected to return in the short term, potentially within the next matchweek, while Eberechi Eze’s recovery timeline remains less certain and will depend on his rehabilitation progress.

For Saka, internal club expectations suggest a possible return for the second leg of the Champions League tie or the following Premier League fixture. Arsenal are taking a cautious approach, prioritizing full recovery over rushed availability.

Eze’s situation is more open-ended. Medical reports indicate that his calf issue requires ongoing monitoring, meaning his return will be determined on a week-by-week basis.

How has Bukayo Saka performed this season?

Bukayo Saka has remained one of Arsenal’s most influential players in the 2025–26 season, combining elite creativity, consistent goal contributions and leadership before his recent injury setback.

He continued to deliver decisive moments in key fixtures, including goals and assists in both domestic and European competition. His influence was particularly evident in the Champions League league phase and knockout progression.

Before being ruled out of the Sporting CP quarterfinal first leg, he had reached another major milestone in his career, recently signing a long-term contract extension and surpassing 300 appearances for the club during the campaign.

How has Eberechi Eze performed this season?

Eberechi Eze has had a strong but interrupted first season at Arsenal, showing high-impact performances in big games while struggling with recent injury setbacks. Despite the disruptions, he has quickly established himself as one of the most creative midfield options in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

His season highlights include decisive attacking contributions in major fixtures, particularly in high-profile matches where the team relied on his ability to break defensive lines and operate between the midfield and attack.

One of his standout moments came in the Champions League round of 16, where he scored in Arsenal’s 2–0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, helping secure progression in Europe. However, his rhythm has been affected by recurring fitness issues.

As Matchday 3 of the Premier League shows, Arsenal will play Liverpool in arguably the best game of the weekend. While the Reds are coming guns blazing, the Gunners are missing two of their best offensive players in Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, which might put them in the underdogs department.

Martin Odegaard is not in the starting lineup but he is on the bench. The Norwegian attacking midfielder suffered a shoulder injury last week against Leeds United, but might be able to play if Mikel Arteta decides to put him in.

Odegaard is usually the one who commands the tempo on offense as his ability to create chances is something special. The left-footed player also brings dinamic in the center of the field opening spaces for other players to do their harm.

Why is Bukayo Saka not playing?

As for Saka, he is not even on the bench for this game. The academy product has a hamstring injury, also suffered against Leeds. Saka has dealt with plenty of injuries during the last couple of seasons, which is alarming, as he is a very young player and is already racking up injuries.

Saka, when healthy, might be the team’s best player coming down the right wing. Also left footed, he cuts inside to either shoot or create space for an overlaping fullback. In the end, without him, they lose a stellar dribbler and a top-tier creator.

Who are replacing both Odegaard and Saka?

Usually playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, manager Mikel Arteta had to call an audible and change schemes. Arsenal will present a 4-3-3 as they lost their ‘number 10’ in Odegaard. Hence, Zubimendi and Declan Rice will still be on the lineup, but Mikel Merino will take a spot in the starting XI as an additional central midfielder.

As for Saka’s replacement, new signing Noni Madueke will take the right wing spot. Madueke is more of a natural replacement for Saka, as he shares plenty of skills with Saka. They are both speedy, left-footed players. While Saka is a much more skillful player in terms of ball control and technique, Madueke’s speed and one-on-one ability could prove fruitful for the Gunners.

“We are pretty worried about Saka’s injury,” said Arteta, who added: “He grabbed his hamstring and couldn’t continue. He will have to be assessed but we are pretty worried, yes.”

It is no surprise Arteta is concerned. Bukayo Saka is not only the Premier League‘s top assist provider but also Arsenal’s second-highest scorer this season with five goals. Beyond the numbers, he is the engine of Arsenal’s offense, a player through whom much of their attacking play flows. A product of Arsenal’s youth academy, Saka has grown into a star and a leader, making him the club’s most indispensable player.

Bukayo Saka was filmed leaving Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Pak Stadium on crutches:

The extent of Bukayo Saka’s injury is still unknown, but these images worry the whole team because he could not even leave the stadium by his own means. Bukayo joins the list of injured players: Raheem Sterling, Ben White, O. Zinchenko and T. Tomiyasu. Undoubtedly, the load of matches is affecting the health of professional players, who increasingly have more frequent injuries of greater severity.

Who should step up and replace Bukayo Saka for the following matches?

We already know that Bukayo Saka is irreplaceable for Arsenal, but the following matches are very important to get on track and maintain the fight for the Premier League. The main candidate to replace him would be the Brazilian, Gabriel Martinelli. Although his ideal position is as a left winger, he has already played as a right winger and his speed, dribbling and definition would be key to maintain the high competitiveness of the team.

In addition to Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, the team’s other Brazilian player, could gain the prominence he expressed his desire for in the following games. Gabriel Jesus has never been a normal striker, he has always been seen as a modern striker and therefore is able to adapt to the left and right wings without any problem. His reading of the game and dribbling could be very useful despite not being the fastest winger. His talent for scoring goals could be vital alongside Kai Havertz with whom they could exchange heights and confuse opposing defenders.

In a recent Amazon Prime Video Sport segment where he answered quickfire questions, the English winger didn’t hesitate to name Ronaldo as his favorite player growing up.

This isn’t the first time Saka has spoken highly of Ronaldo. In an interview with Adam Talks, Saka shared his excitement about being handed the No. 7 jersey, just like his childhood idol.

“Cristiano Ronaldo was my idol growing up. He wore—still wears—the number 7. He’s CR7,” Saka said. “It was a dream come true for me to be given the number 7, and I’m trying to achieve some of the things he’s done, especially for my club.”

He continued, “With the 7, I’m going to try to accomplish big things with this club because they showed a lot of faith in me by giving me that number, considering all the legends who’ve worn it before me.”

Zidane picks CR7 as the greatest player ever

Back in 2017, legendary French manager Zinedine Zidane, while coaching Real Madrid, lavished praise on Ronaldo after the Portuguese star secured another Ballon d’Or, edging out Lionel Messi in one of soccer’s most heated rivalries.

“Cristiano is the greatest player in the history of football. Many players have made history, but what he has achieved, no one else has done. The numbers speak for themselves, it’s truly remarkable,” said Zidane.

Recently Adams wrote an editorial for The Sun in England and mentioned that he believes that Arsenal has a special talent on their hands in 21-year-old, Bukayo Saka. Adams mentioned that he was in shock that “Manchester City paid £100 million to sign Jack Grealish 18 months ago, I couldn’t believe that they didn’t even try to buy Bukayo Saka.”

Saka is a very talented winger, who does most of his damage on the right and already has 36 goals in 164 games for Arsenal. Saka was also a part of the English side at the FIFA 2022 World Cup. Adams went as far as comparing the Ealing native to Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

Tony Adams compares Bukayo Saka to Lionel Messi

“I’m sure (Arsenal will) give Bukayo that hefty new contract to keep him at the Emirates because they know he is irreplaceable. If there’s a better player in world football at the moment, someone who both scores and makes goals, the only one I can think of is Lionel Messi. Bukayo is absolutely on fire and the reason Arsenal are top of the table.”

Saka has scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists this season in the Premier League, Adams continued to endorse Saka heavily in his editorial, “Bukayo is, hands down, the Footballer of the Year because he was England’s best player at the World Cup, and he’s been the best player for the team eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.”

Saka could very well be the best prospect of English soccer at the moment, although time will tell if he can even get on par with a Lionel Messi, who last night scored a hat-trick for Argentina giving him 102 goals in his national team career.