ARSENAL LEFT SWEATING ON SAKA INJURY

ARSENAL are hopeful Bukayo Saka has avoided significant injury after he was forced off against Newcastle. The England winger, an instrumental figure in the Gunners’ recent upturn in form, had to be withdrawn not long after he opened the scoring in Saturday’s 2-0 win at the Emirates — which took Arsenal to within touching distance of the Premier League’s top four — having reported discomfort in his thigh. Manager Mikel Arteta said: ‘It was an action where he said he felt something muscular. He wasn’t comfortable to continue.’ Arsenal were continuing to assess Saka yesterday ahead of Thursday’s trip to Manchester United. They say his withdrawal was precautionary and are optimistic no major damage was done.