Arsenal look like a team in need of a talisman and inspiration to get them over the line in the final few weeks of the Premier League season.
The goals have dried up somewhat and the nerves are increasing as Manchester City lurk ominously in second place ahead of Sunday’s huge title clash.
And the return of Bukayo Saka could be exactly what Arsenal need to boost morale as they head to the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka's injury return date still in the balance
Saka has been out of action with an Achilles injury and has not played since the Carabao Cup final defeat to City last month.
The England winger appeared to have been closing in on a return ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting on Wednesday night, but he missed that game.
And it seems it will be touch and go whether or not Saka is available for the City clash.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provided an update on the winger’s fitness. FourFourTwo understands there are rumours he could miss the next month with the existing Achilles problem.
"It's something that he was carrying for a while," Arteta said. "It was an Achilles issue.
"It's progression but hopefully it's going to be a matter of days and not weeks. But he has to see when the load is more how he responds to that kind of progression."
While Saka’s form and output had dipped slightly before his injury, his return would certainly give Arsenal some much-needed creative spark.
Asked if the players on the cusp of a return, including the likes of Saka and Jurrien Timber, must play through pain, Arteta said: "They are trying to do that."
"We know how important availability is in this crucial period of the season," the Gunners' boss added. "Obviously we've been missing four or five starters now for weeks, which has an impact.
"That's why we need them back, that's for sure."
Arsenal visit East Manchester ahead of a 4:30pm kick-off with Pep Guardiola's men on Sunday afternoon.
