Arsenal assess Saka fitness ahead of City clash as Madueke impresses

Bukayo Saka remains sidelined with a hamstring problem sustained in Arsenal's 5-0 win over Leeds on August 23, leaving the club to weigh a last-minute fitness call ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City while Noni Madueke’s impressive form in Saka’s absence has fueled debate over the right wing spot. Manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday that Saka, captain Martin Odegaard and defender Ben White have only been involved in modified sessions and that the club will have more information after Saturday’s training as to whether any of them can be included in the squad.

Arsenal have not given an exact return date for Saka, who missed a large chunk of last season with a similar hamstring problem. The initial reaction to the injury suggested a four-week layoff, and some reports have suggested the winger could be out until the end of September, but club staff have stressed the need to respect the recovery process. Arteta said Saka is "trying to get back as quickly as possible, but we need to respect that process," noting that the timeline will depend on how he responds when the training load is increased.

Saka’s absence handed summer signing Noni Madueke another start...