BUKAYO RELIEF
ARSENAL are cautiously optimistic that Bukayo Saka did not suffer serious injury on Sunday and could even be available for Sunday’s crunch game at Chelsea.
The England winger injured his left ankle during the 5-0 home win against Nottingham Forest and limped off just 27 minutes into the game.
He had been struggling since slipping down the slope behind the
Clock End goal and colliding with an advertising hoarding in the tenth minute.
And a couple of hefty challenges from Forest full-back Renan
Lodi left Saka unable to continue before going straight down the tunnel for treatment.
Arsenal’s medical team are still monitoring the injury but were encouraged by the fact that Saka was able to play on for 15 minutes after the initial collision before coming off as a precaution.
And the fact that he was able to leave the Emirates without the need of crutches or a protective boot suggested the injury was not too serious.
And though he is almost certainly not going to be involved in Thursday’s final Europa League group game against FC Zurich, he could be involved at Chelsea at the weekend.
That is good news for manager Mikel Arteta, as well as England boss Gareth Southgate just two weeks before his squad flies to Qatar for the World Cup.
Saka has been involved in all 17 of Arsenal’s games this season and has been a key player in helping his team open up a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League and Europa League qualification.
But Arsenal still need to beat Zurich at the Emirates to guarantee finishing first place in their Europa League and avoid February’s round of 32.
Granit Xhaka will also miss Thursday’s game after receiving his third yellow card of the tournament during last week’s 2-0 defeat by PSV Eindhoven.
But Mo Elneny could be in line for an unexpected return to action after recovering quicker than expected from the hamstring injury which was feared would keep him out of action until after the World Cup.
Saka’s likely absence on Thursday could open the door for Reiss Nelson to boost his Arsenal claims after coming on as a first-half sub against Forest and scoring twice in his team’s biggest win of the year.
The 22-year-old winger had only managed one previous Premier League goal for the Gunners more than five years ago.