![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/4993477.jpg?r=1696416094054\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Martin Odegaard\u00a0has vowed that Arsenal will bounce back from their Champions League disappointment when they face Manchester City on Sunday. And that\u2019s with or without Bukayo Saka.<\/p>\n
The Gunners threw away an early lead at Lens on Tuesday to lose 2-1 in their second match of the group stages. To make matters worse Saka appeared to pull a muscle attempting a back-heel and had to limp off after 34 minutes.<\/p>\n
The England international is the only player to have scored five goals and been credited with five assists in all competitions across the major five leagues in Europe.<\/p>\n
Moreover, he has been an ever-present in Arsenal\u2019s Premier League campaign for each of the last three seasons.<\/p>\n
However, with Arsenal\u2019s win at Bournemouth on Saturday lifting them to within a point of Sunday\u2019s visitors to the Emirates, scans today will give a better clue as to whether Saka will be able to play in the first six-pointer of the season.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/4993488.jpg?r=1696416094126\")
<\/p>\n
But club captain Odegaard is adamant that the club are ready to go into battle without him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have spoken to Bukayo just a little bit,\u201d he said. \u201cI don’t know what it is to be honest. We’ll have to see I guess and hope it’s not too bad.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe still have some great players. I think every team in the world would miss Bukayo but we have to see what happens in the next few days. Hopefully it’s not too bad and he’s going to be ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
Being ready is the charge facing all of the Arsenal squad as they come to terms with life back in Europe\u2019s elite competition again for the first time in seven seasons.<\/p>\n
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t think it’s an issue,\u201d Odegaard continued. \u201cOf course it’s tough to play in Europe. We played a good team , they were strong. They made it very difficult for us. We have to look at ourselves, learn, move on. I’m sure we’re going to get better and better so we take the lessons and move on.<\/p>\n
However, the Norway international was quick to knock back suggestions that this was the worst possible time to be facing Pep Guardiola\u2019s team.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s a big game coming up and everyone is excited for the game,\u201d Odegaard said. \u201cIt will be a good game to play in.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to look forward, make sure we’re ready and show up on the Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n