Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared some good news regarding the fitness of Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners boss, speaking to the club’s media team on Friday, said the 22-year-old “looks okay” to feature against West Ham.
Saka scored the opening goal for Arsenal in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Liverpool. However, he was forced off with a late injury, prompting fears over his fitness.
The Gunners attacker was taken off after 80 minutes after a collision with Darwin Nunez. He left the field limping and was replaced by fellow Hale End graduate Reiss Nelson.
However, Arteta played down any injury fears involving Saka, telling the Arsenal website: “He’s been recovering this week and he looks okay.”
Indeed, the first line of the article on the Gunners site confidently said: ‘Bukayo Saka is available for selection for Mikel Arteta’s squad against West Ham United on Sunday.’
The Arsenal boss also revealed that the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain in contention to feature in the London derby.
“We have a few still in contention,” continued Arteta. “They’ve been evolving really well, so tomorrow we’ll have another training session.”
As for Thomas Partey, the Arsenal boss said: “He is progressing really well but it’s a bit too soon to tell you exactly when we’re going to have him back.”
Great news for Arsenal as Bukayo Saka available against West Ham
It’s great news that the ‘incredible‘ Saka is – or should be – fine to feature for Arsenal against West Ham.
The Gunners are buzzing after their solid win over Liverpool last time out, but they’ll need to be at their best against a Hammers side desperate to get back to winning ways.
In addition, playing at West Ham’s ground is always a bit of a daunting experience for any opponent, particularly a London rival.
It looks as though Arsenal’s personnel situation is positive ahead of the game, so let’s see what happens in this highly-anticipated clash.