The absence of Bukayo Saka could be costly for Arsenal.

The clash on Sunday between Arsenal and Manchester City is not just another match in the Premier League — it is, potentially, the decisive moment of the Gunners’ season and a crucial test for the continuation of manager Mikel Arteta. Avoiding defeat in Manchester would provide a monumental boost to title ambitions, while a setback could trigger a late collapse and fuel a devastating narrative that threatens to completely engulf Arsenal’s project.

However, to the dismay of fans and Arteta himself, the star player expected to take center stage in this battle, Bukayo Saka, is absent from the squad. But what is the reason for the English star’s absence at such a critical moment in the season?

Since the Carabao Cup final, where the Gunners lost to Manchester City, Saka has not featured again. That match marked a turning point, as it was there that the winger began to feel an issue with his Achilles tendon, an injury that has recently been in the media spotlight due to the severe case of Hugo Ekitiké, the Liverpool forward, who suffered a rupture and is sidelined for around nine months.

The good news for Arsenal is that Saka’s situation does not compare to this catastrophic scenario. At 24 years old, the England international has been dealing with persistent discomfort, which reached its peak during the League Cup final, forcing him into a mandatory rest period.

“Bukayo is out, that is certain,” confirmed Mikel Arteta in statements to the media before the crucial clash with City. The manager does not hide the importance of the player, but emphasized the need to ensure a safe recovery to avoid greater problems.

Regarding the return of the young talent, there are still no certainties. Arteta explained that Saka “is starting to do some things,” which indicates that he has returned to training on grass, but he is still far from the intensity required for full integration into the squad.

“We will see his progression, how quickly we can move forward, and then wait. For now, that is not a priority,” said the coach, highlighting the importance of allowing the winger the necessary time for a full recovery. “We have been dealing with injuries throughout the season. If we look at the players we have lost for long periods and where we are now, that is not normal. But we have managed to overcome thanks to our mentality and the solutions we have found, with players stepping up. We are where we are, still strong, and that is how we want to continue.”

Arsenal now faces an intense schedule, where every point is vital to keep the title hopes alive. The absence of Saka is a heavy blow, but the collective strength and resilience of the group will be tested to the maximum in the demanding run of matches ahead.

The key to the immediate future of the Londoners lies in how Arteta manages this moment of adversity and whether his substitutes can fill the gap left by the English prodigy. It is a lesson in resource management and steel nerves that could define Arsenal’s success or failure this season.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.