Bukayo Saka is now set for tests as Arsenal learn ‘best case scenario’ over injury

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Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of star player Bukayo Saka ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City, after he was forced off against RC Lens.

The 22-year-old had to be substituted in the first half of Arsenal’s defeat, and Mikel Arteta hinted that he could have a muscle problem after pulling up.

This came after he limped off in the North London derby, missed the Carabao Cup tie against Brentford, and was forced off against Bournemouth, raising questions about whether he is playing too much whilst carrying these knocks.

Saka to have medical tests

The Daily Mail have now reported that Saka will undergo medical tests today, having had scans yesterday, to determine whether he will be fit in time to face Manchester City.

Arsenal will be hoping that it is simply a knock, rather than any strain to a hamstring or muscle, which, even if minor, could keep him out for a few weeks.

With an international break following the City clash, Saka’s potential inclusion in the squad will give an indication of whether or not he is fit, but the tests today should provide more insight for the club.

“The best case scenario for Saka is that he has suffered a painful dead leg, nevertheless the prospect of the attacker playing against City – and in the forthcoming international fixtures against Australia and Italy – would represent a risk,” the report stated.

Managing Saka’s load

Even if he does recover in time to face Man City, both Arsenal and England should be wary about his workload right now, and the International break could be a good chance for him to rest.

Saka should not play any part in the friendly against Australia, but Gareth Southgate may be tempted to use the England Player Of The Year in the qualifier against Italy, unless Arsenal take action to stop him going on International duty.

Mikel Arteta needs to take more care over his game time, and in hindsight, he may look back at the victory over Bournemouth, where Saka picked up another knock, as one that he could have rotated him out for.