Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the injury to Bukayo Saka, expressing that the knock is “not serious”.
Arteta shared that Saka is recovering well and the club is hopeful of the Englishman returning to action in the coming games.
Speaking in a presser ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Bournemouth on Saturday, October 19, 2024, he said:
“It is not a serious injury. He is evolving really well.
Will Bukayo Saka Overcome His Injury Issue And Play For Arsenal Against Bournemouth?
Mikel Arteta also indicated that Bukayo Saka has been involved in training in recent days, and they will examine him to see if he can feature in the game against the Cherries.
The Spaniard said: “He has done a few things in the last two days… we are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon, he did some bits yesterday, let’s see if he can make it on time.”
Bukayo Saka was withdrawn in the 51st minute of England’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League loss to Greece on October 10, 2024, due to a hamstring problem and there were initially fears that he could be absent from action for a lengthy period.
However, Arteta’s comment appears to have doused the tension surrounding Saka’s fitness and he should be back to action in the coming days.
Mikel Arteta Provides Update On Injury To Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Ben White And Jurrien Timber
Mikel Arteta also delivered an update on the fitness status of Kai Havertz, who pulled out of Germany’s squad for their Nations League matches in October 2024 due to a knee problem.
Arteta gave Arsenal supporters much optimism for the coming game, sharing that if Havertz trains well he could be in good shape for the trip to the Vitality Stadium.
The 42-year-old said: “He had a few issues and we’ve been dealing with that. If he trains well he has a good chance to be fit and available.”
Sharing his thoughts on Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Arteta pointed out that they will decide on including him amongst the contingent for the away fixture.
Regarding Martin Odegaard, Arteta was blunt in telling the current situation with the Norwegian’s injury, saying: “He’s not going to be fit, next week is going to be a different story.”
Additionally, Mikel Arteta provided Arsenal fans with some cheering news, stating that Ben White and Timber are close to returning from their injury layoffs.
Arsenal
The Gunners trade tackles with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on October 19, 2024.
They remain unbeaten in the Premier League after 7 matches, winning 5 and drawing 2.
Arsenal occupy the 3rd spot on the Premier League table and are level on points with Manchester City, who have secured 17 points this campaign.
Their target for this season is to win the Premier League crown, having experienced second-place finishes in the past 2 seasons.
Mikel Arteta’s side are only a point adrift from league leaders Liverpool, who have recorded 18 points from 7 matches.
Despite the absence of key players in recent games, the North London side have still managed to soldier on and there is growing belief amongst supporters of the club that this could be their season.