Arsenal face major boost ahead of Man City clash as returning star joins team-mates on pre-match walk

2 hours ago 7

By WILL PICKWORTH, SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 11:47 BST, 21 September 2025 | Updated: 11:59 BST, 21 September 2025

Arsenal have received a welcome boost ahead of their crunch clash against Man City after Bukayo Saka was seen joining his team-mates on a pre-match walk.

Saka, 24, has been unavailable since injuring his hamstring against Leeds last month, with the winger subsequently missing three games in all competitions. 

Saka's absence was felt for Arsenal's 1-0 defeat by Liverpool but the likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli have stepped up in other games to help the Gunners beat Nottingham Forest and Athletic Bilbao.  

However, ahead of this afternoon's encounter, Saka was spotted on a walk with the rest of the Arsenal squad. 

As Mikel Arteta's side headed out of what appeared to their team hotel in the morning sunshine, Saka's presence was met with cheers by Arsenal fans who had come to get a glimpse of their heros. 

BBC Sport reported on Sunday morning how Saka has returned to training after missing almost a month of action. 

Arsenal have received a welcome boost ahead of their crunch clash against Man City

Although the report added that it is unclear what exact role he may play today, the early indications were that Saka 'could be available' against City.

During Arsenal's walk, the likes of William Saliba and Ben White were also present.

The defensive pair have been absent recently due to various injury issues, but their availability is more welcome news to Arteta. 

Elsewhere, the availability of captain Martin Odegaard for this afternoon's clash remains up in the air.

The Norwegian was forced off against Nottingham Forest last weekend after landing awkwardly, and he missed the Champions League victory over Bilbao. 

Odegaard has stepped up his training, but it will be touch and go whether he makes the Gunners' squad. 

Speaking last month when Saka picked up his hamstring issue - which came after he missed three-and-a-half month following a similar injury last season - Arteta had remained upbeat.

'He felt something, so he will be out for a couple of weeks,' the Arsenal boss had said. 

'(It is) not as bad as the previous one.  But it is obviously a concern, a big one, especially when we talk about a sprinter and a player that gets into that zone very often in a football match, who needs that burst, that change of rhythm of pace to be as threatening as possible.'

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