Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on Friday provided a fitness update on several key players including Bukayo Saka ahead of Gunners’ home match against Burnley on Saturday. Two injuries marred Arsenal’s Champions League win over Sevilla on Wednesday. Arteta had to substitute both Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the second half due to knocks they suffered. In addition, there are some other short and long term absentees in this Arsenal team.
Arteta played down the injury of Bukayo Saka previously at the post-match conference against Sevilla. He had said, “It was just a kick and I was told by the physios on the radio he wasn’t happy to continue. So he will have some discomfort but hopefully I am going to assume he will be OK.”
Saka on Thursday was called up to the England national squad by Gareth Southgate. England is due to play Malta and North Macedonia later this month. Saka not withdrawing from the England squad is good news for England and Arsenal fans, assuming he is fit.
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Bukayo Saka a doubt: Arteta
Now, Arteta appeared to be non-committal on Bukayo Saka’s involvement in the match against Burnley.
Speaking on injuries to the press ahead of the match, Arteta said, “We have a few. A few still in contention. We need to give them 24 more hours to give them a chance. We won’t know anything till tomorrow.
“B (Bukayo Saka) had to leave the pitch because he was in quite a lot of pain. He didn’t train yesterday and let’s see if he can make it tomorrow,” he explained.
Arteta was also asked about Saka’s England call up, and if Saka could miss the national team’s upcoming matches. “Hopefully not. We want our players to play for their club and their national team,” he said.
Arteta on Partey & Odegaard
Arteta also spoke on other players’ injury concerns. Speaking on Thomas Partey, he said, “He’s progressing really well but it was a significant injury. Hopefully it’s going to be weeks and not months and he’s working towards that. He needs support and hopefully the injury will heal in the right way and we’ll have him back, because he’s a big player for us.”
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has also been in the sidelines for a few weeks now. Odegaard is an crucial player for Arteta’s Arsenal because of his creativity. He said, “He’s still racing (against the clock). He’s trying everything that he can so let’s see. It’s a possibility.“
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