Arsenal Injury Update: Saka, Odegaard and Key Stars Face Late Fitness Test Ahead of Manchester City Clash

Arsenal are facing a tense race against time to get several of their key players fit ahead of a huge showdown with Manchester City this weekend — and all eyes are on Bukayo Saka.

The England international has been one of the most important players for Arsenal in recent seasons, but his current absence is starting to raise real concern. Saka has not featured since the end of March, when he started the Carabao Cup final, and he is now battling an Achilles issue that has proven difficult to shake off.

Behind the scenes, there is cautious optimism but also clear worry. The problem is not a simple knock. It is believed to be Achilles tendinopathy, a condition that can worsen if a player returns too quickly. In simple terms, it is an overuse injury that needs careful management rather than a quick fix. That is why Arsenal’s medical team are being extremely careful.

Manager Mikel Arteta made it clear that Saka is close, but not guaranteed, to return. Speaking earlier this week, he explained that the winger has been carrying the issue for some time and is now slowly increasing his workload in training.

Arteta said the situation is improving, but the real test will come when Saka pushes his body harder. The key question is how his Achilles responds under pressure — something that cannot be fully predicted until he is back at full intensity.

That uncertainty leaves Arsenal in a difficult position. Rush him back, and they risk losing him for the rest of the season. Wait too long, and they could be without their most dangerous attacker in one of the biggest games of the campaign.

And the timing could not be worse.

Saka has been directly involved in a large share of Arsenal’s attacking output this season, contributing goals and assists at crucial moments. His ability to stretch defences, beat defenders one-on-one, and create chances has made him almost irreplaceable in Arteta’s system. Without him, Arsenal’s attack often lacks the same sharpness and unpredictability.

But Saka is not the only concern.

There was also a scare involving Noni Madueke during the recent clash with Sporting CP. The winger was forced off after a strong challenge, raising fears of a knee injury. However, there are positive signs. He did not head straight down the tunnel and later rejoined his teammates on the pitch, suggesting the issue may not be serious.

That small detail has given Arsenal hope that Madueke could still be available, which would be a big boost given their current injury list.

Defensively, there is cautious optimism surrounding Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian picked up a knock in the first leg against Sporting, but sources indicate he has a real chance of being fit in time to face City. His return would provide valuable depth at the back, especially against one of the most dangerous attacking teams in Europe.

The situation is less clear when it comes to Jurrien Timber. He has not played since Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton in mid-March and is still recovering from a groin problem. When asked about his chances of returning, Timber remained uncertain, only confirming that he is working his way back to full fitness.

That uncertainty adds another layer of concern for Arteta, who may have to reshuffle his defence depending on who is available.

Then there is the captain, Martin Odegaard, whose situation is equally delicate. The midfielder revealed he suffered a knee issue — the same knee that has troubled him recently — during the win over Sporting in Lisbon. Although he is pushing to return quickly, repeated setbacks make his situation unpredictable.

Odegaard’s importance to Arsenal cannot be overstated. He is the team’s creative engine, dictating play, linking midfield and attack, and often stepping up in big moments. Without him, Arsenal can struggle to control games, especially against elite opponents like Manchester City.

All of this leaves Arteta with a selection headache ahead of what could be a defining match in Arsenal’s season.

Facing City is always a major challenge, but doing so without several key players would make the task even tougher. Pep Guardiola’s side are known for their control, depth, and ability to punish even the smallest mistakes. Arsenal will need close to their strongest lineup to compete — which is why the fitness race happening behind the scenes is so crucial.

There is still hope. Saka is not ruled out. Calafiori could return. Madueke’s injury may not be serious. But at the same time, there are too many “ifs” for comfort.

In games like this, small margins decide everything. And for Arsenal, those margins may come down to who is fit enough to step onto the pitch.