- The winger trudged off as the Three Lions suffered a humiliating 2-1 defeat
- Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli also suffered blows during the international break
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Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Bukayo Saka’s progress after the Arsenal winger sparked injury concerns when he limped off the pitch in England’s defeat to Greece.
The Gunners star has made an excellent start to the season, scoring twice and assisting seven times in Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
But last week he had Arsenal fans’ hearts in their mouths when he trudged off the pitch at Wembley during the Three Lions’ humiliating 2-1 defeat to 48th-placed Greece.
It later emerged he had been forced off due to a thigh problem and he later withdrew from the squad ahead of England’s win over Finland on Sunday.
Now his club manager has revealed the extent of the injury and it is good news for Gunners supporters.
Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Bukayo Saka’s progress after limping to England
The Gunners star has made an excellent start to the season, scoring twice and providing seven assists
Saka’s injury will have caused concerns at Premier League title chaser Arsenal
He told a press conference on Friday: ‘It is not a serious injury.
‘He is evolving very well. He’s done a few things in the last two days. Apparently he was not fit enough to play the second match with the national team.
‘But we are hopeful. We have a training this afternoon, yesterday he did some things, so let’s see if he can make it on time.’
Arteta also provided updates on several other players taking knocks as injuries continue to cause him headaches this season.
Kai Havertz is battling to return from a knee problem that has prevented him from playing in the German Nations League.
The Spain boss said: “He had a few problems and we had to deal with them. He was absolutely brilliant. He has very good communication with the national team and with the manager, and he understood the situation.
‘Again, if he trains well today he has a good chance of being fit and available.’
Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli was another casualty of international duty when he suffered a calf problem while away in Brazil, adding to Arteta’s injury woes.
The manager revealed that the winger only returned on Thursday and has only taken part in light training.
Kai Havertz is battling to return from a knee problem that has prevented him from playing in the German Nations League
Gabriel Martinelli was another casualty of international duty when he noticed a calf problem
Arsenal are struggling with a number of persistent injuries, including captain Martin Odegaard
Arsenal are dealing with a number of persistent injuries, including captain Martin Odegaard, who is out after an ankle problem during the previous international break, and Kieran Tierney, who remains on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
Arteta revealed that Odegaard is nearing a return and that next week will be ‘crucial’ in determining when he will return to the pitch.
The Gunners head to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth on Saturday at 5.30pm following their back-to-back wins in the Premier League following their dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City last month.
