Mikel Arteta reveals the extent of Bukayo Saka’s injury ahead of Bournemouth clash after Arsenal star limped off in England’s loss to Greece… as the Gunners boss also details when Martin Odegaard may return
Mikel Arteta has given an update on Bukayo Saka’s progress after the Arsenal winger sparked injury concerns when he limped off the field in England’s defeat to Greece.
The Gunners star has made an electric start to the season, scoring twice and assisting seven times as the north London side vie with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
But he had Arsenal fans’ hearts in mouths last week when he trudged off the pitch at Wembley during the Three Lions’ humiliating 2-1 loss at the hands of 48th-ranked Greece.
It later emerged he had been forced off with a thigh problem and he later withdrew from the squad before England’s win over Finland on Sunday.
Now his club manager has revealed the extent of the injury and it’s good news for Gunners supporters.
Mikel Arteta has given an update on Bukayo Saka’s progress after he limped off for England
The Gunners star has made an electric start to the season, scoring twice and assisting seven
Saka’s injury will have sparked concerns for Premier League title chasers Arsenal
He told a press conference on Friday: ‘It’s not a serious injury.
‘He’s evolving really well. He’s done a few things in the last two days. Obviously he wasn’t fit enough to play with the national team the second game.
‘But we are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon, he did some bits yesterday, so let’s see if he can make it on time.’
Arteta also gave updates on various other players who suffered knocks, as injuries continue to cause him headaches this campaign.
Kai Havertz is fighting to return from a knee problem that caused him to sit out of Germany’s Nations league fixtures.
The Spanish boss said: ‘He had a few issues and we’ve been dealing with that. He’s been absolutely brilliant. He has very good communication with the national team, with the manager, and he understood the situation.
‘Again, if he trains well today, he’s got a good chance to be fit and available.’
Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli was another victim of international duty as he picked up a calf problem while away with Brazil, compiling more injury misery on Arteta.
The manager revealed that the winger only returned on Thursday and has only participated in light training sessions.
Kai Havertz is fighting to return from a knee problem that caused him to sit out of Germany’s Nations league fixtures
Gabriel Martinelli was another victim of international duty as he picked up a calf problem
Arsenal have a number of ongoing injuries, including captain Martin Odegaard
Arsenal have a number of ongoing injuries, including captain Martin Odegaard, who remains out after picking up an ankle problem in the previous international break, and Kieran Tierney, who stays on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.
Arteta revealed that Odegaard is nearing a return and that next week will be ‘crucial’ in establishing when he will be back on the pitch.
The Gunners head to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth in Saturday’s 5.30pm kick-off on the back of successive Premier League wins after their dramatic 2-2 draw at Manchester City last month.
