Bukayo Saka ruled out of Arsenal's final day title charge

By Tom Gott

Arsenal have confirmed that Bukayo Saka will miss Sunday's Premier League finale because of a minor injury.

The Gunners face Everton on the final day knowing anything less than victory will end their pursuit of the title, with even three points perhaps not enough if Manchester City emerge victorious against West Ham United.

However, Arsenal will have to make do without Saka after the club confirmed he is dealing with a "slight muscle injury".

In his place, Gabriel Martinelli will start in attack alongside Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard, with the Brazilian set for his first start since the 6-0 win over Sheffield United on March 4.

There is some positive news for Arsenal, however, with Dutch defender Jurrien Timber earning a place on the bench for the first time since his ACL injury on the opening day of the season.


Timber is back in the Arsenal squad | Paul Harding/GettyImages

The title race is no longer in Arsenal's hands heading into the final day. Mikel Arteta's side sit two points behind leaders City, who know victory over West Ham will see them retain the title.

Arsenal do have a superior goal difference and could, therefore, snatch the title ahead of City if Pep Guardiola's team fall to a draw against a West Ham side who are without top scorer Jarrod Bowen through illness.

Anything less than victory for Arsenal and City will automatically be crowned champions for the fourth consecutive season.


Arsenal XI to face Everton: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli.


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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Bukayo Saka ruled out of Arsenal's final day title charge.