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Saka limped off in last Saturday’s win over Bournemouth but was back in the starting XI midweek for the Champions League clash against Lens.
The England international provided the assist for his side’s opener but was forced off in the first-half, leaving him a major doubt for the visit of the Premier League champions.
Despite arriving at the Emirates with the rest of the squad, Saka does not make the match day squad, ending a run of 87 consecutive Premier League games for the club.
Speaking ahead of kick-off, Arteta admitted there was a temptation to pick the winger despite the knock he suffered on Tuesday only for those plans to be shelved.
‘He felt something,’ Arteta told Sky Sports. ‘You are tempted to risk him, but he wasn’t able to train yesterday, so that put him out of the game straight away.
‘It is [a big blow] but we know we have lost players in recent weeks and we have to adapt to it.’
‘This is the sort of game he’s going to want to be fit for, of course, like every game,’ Walcott told Sky Sports.
‘He’s so crucial. He’s the first player on that team sheet, that’s why his workload of football has been a lot – not just for Arsenal, England as well.
‘But essentially he just wants to play games, and I love that about him. He plays with freedom. That’s something that has gone out of the game but he’s brought back I feel.
‘Saka is so crucial for this team today, but I believe he will be fit.’
Gabriel Martinelli does make his return to the squad for the visit of Pep Guardiola’s side. The Brazilian international has not featured since picking up a hamstring injury in the win over Everton last month.
Thomas Partey is also on the bench having not featured since the draw with Fulham in August.
MORE : Theo Walcott drops Bukayo Saka fitness hint ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City
MORE : Morgan Gibbs-White hails Arsenal star Bukayo Saka as ‘one of the best in the world’
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