Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says forward Bukayo Saka is in contention for their clash with Manchester City on Sunday despite limping off with an injury in their Champions League defeat to Lens.
Saka left the field with a muscle injury in the first half in the 34th minute of Tuesday’s Group B game.
During the post-match interview on Tuesday Arteta said the forwards injury it didn’t look good.
Saka has played in each of Arsenal’s past 87 league games, a club-record streak in the Premier League.
22-year-old Saka was however been named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad on Thursday for the friendly with Australia and Euro 2024 qualifier with Italy.
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When asked about Saka’s inclusion, England boss stated that he expects the winger to be ‘in contention’ to face City on Sunday.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta provided an update on Saka’s recovery.
“Well he is in contention. 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.
“In contention! That’s it. I’m not a doctor. That’s what they told me.”
Asked about Saka’s England call-up and whether he would ask for the forward’s minutes to be limited, Arteta said;
“I have spoken to Gareth [Southgate] on several occasions.
I have to do my job by giving the news and the position that everyone is at. We have good communication.
He needs to make the best decision for the national team and I’m not going to get involved there.”
Saka has begun the season in impressive fashion, recording 10 goal contributions in as many games across all competitions.
Arteta also revealed Thomas Partey will be available to face City having made a quicker-than-expected recovery from a groin injury.
The Ghanaian midfielder, who has not featured since August, was an unused substitute in the 2-1 loss to Lens and Arteta confirmed he will be included in the squad to face Pep Guardiola’s side.
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