Arsenal[1] have received a welcome boost ahead of their crunch clash against Man City[2] after Bukayo Saka[3] was seen joining his team-mates on a pre-match walk.
Saka, 24, has been unavailable since injuring his hamstring against Leeds[4] last month, with the winger having so far missed three games in all competitions.
Saka’s absence was felt for Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat by Liverpool[5] but the likes of Eberechi Eze[6], Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli[7] stepped up in other games to help the Gunners beat Nottingham Forest[8] and Athletic Bilbao.
However, ahead of this afternoon’s encounter, Saka was spotted on a walk with the rest of the Arsenal squad.
As Mikel Arteta[9]‘s side headed out of what appeared to their team hotel in the morning sunshine, Saka’s presence was met with cheers by Arsenal fans who had come to get a glimpse of their heros.
BBC Sport[10] reported on Sunday that Saka has returned to training after missing almost a month of action.
Arsenal have received a welcome boost ahead of their crunch clash against Man City
Saka (third from back) was seen with his team-mates on a pre-match walk in the sunshine
Although the report added that it is unclear what exact role he may play today, the early indications were that Saka ‘could be available’ against City.
During Arsenal’s walk, the likes of William Saliba and Ben White were also present.
The defensive pair have missed games recently due to various injury issues, but their availability is more welcome news to Arteta.
Elsewhere, the fitness of captain Martin Odegaard for this afternoon’s clash remains up in the air.
The Norwegian was forced off against Nottingham Forest last weekend after landing awkwardly – and he missed the Champions League victory over Bilbao.
Odegaard has stepped up his training over the week, but it will be touch and go as to whether he makes the Gunners’ squad.
Speaking last month when Saka picked up his hamstring issue – which came after he was out for three-and-a-half months following a similar injury last season – Arteta had remained upbeat.
‘He felt something, so he will be out for a couple of weeks,’ the Arsenal boss had said.
Saka has been absent since injuring his hamstring against Leeds on August 23
‘(It is) not as bad as the previous one. But it is obviously a concern, a big one, especially when we talk about a sprinter and a player that gets into that zone very often in a football match, who needs that burst, that change of rhythm of pace to be as threatening as possible.’
Read More
Arsenal’s new plan of attack: Flying wingers, spreading the burden and two inspirational new faces
When pressed on the fitness of Saka, White and Odegaard at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta had said: ‘If there is a chance, it will be after tomorrow’s session because they haven’t done anything yet, so we’ll have more information tomorrow.
‘Everything has been modified so far for them. There are still a few things to clear and tomorrow we’ll have more information on whether they are part of the squad or if they have a chance to be part of the squad.’
Arsenal currently sit third in the Premier League after three victories from four matches, and they are three points ahead of City.
A victory today would bring the Gunners within three points of pacesetters Liverpool, who have won all of their five games.
References
- ^ Arsenal (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Man City (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Bukayo Saka (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Leeds (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Liverpool (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Eberechi Eze (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Gabriel Martinelli (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Nottingham Forest (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Mikel Arteta (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ BBC Sport (www.bbc.co.uk)