Buakyo Saka is nursing a hamstring injury ahead of Sunday’s game against Man City (Picture: Arsenal FC)
Mikel Arteta insists Bukayo Saka remains in contention to feature against Manchester City on Sunday.
The in-form Arsenal winger is a major doubt for this weekend’s Premier League summit meeting after he hobbled off during Tuesday’s Champions League game against Lens.
‘Well he is in contention,’ confirmed Arteta when asked for an update on Saka at his pre-match press conference.
‘Let’s see how he progresses from here to Sunday. He had to leave the pitch that’s never good news but let’s see how he recovers.’
Saka’s incredible run of 87 consecutive appearances would appear to be under significant threat, but his inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad suggested the damage to his hamstring may not have been as serious as first assumed.
Bukayo Saka sustained a hamstring injury in Arsenal’s midweek defeat at Lens (Picture: Getty)
Asked if Arsenal would be in dialogue with Southgate over Saka’s availability, Arteta added: ‘I have spoken to Gareth on several occasions.
‘I have to do my job and give him the news. He needs to make the best decision for the national team. I’m not going to get involved there.’
Arsenal are also sweating on the availability of Gabriel Martinelli who hasn’t featured since picking up a muscle strain the win over Everton earlier this month but could be ready to welcome back Thomas Partey.
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The Ghana international hasn’t featured since a 2-2 draw against Fulham back in August but his return would represent a welcome boost to Arteta.
‘He is ahead of schedule,’ confirmed the Arsenal manager. ‘We wanted to have him in the squad. We couldn’t play him on Tuesday because we had a lot of necessities.’
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