Arsenal were dealt a huge scare during the international break as Bukayo Saka was withdrawn in England’s defeat to Greece.
Saka appeared to be holding his hamstring, and he missed England’s second game of the break against Finland as he made an early return to Arsenal.
The 23-year-old is one of Arsenal’s most important players, and he is typically very robust when it comes to his fitness. This meant that the idea of a potentially bad injury was one which did not bear thinking about.
Mikel Arteta could turn to several options including Raheem Sterling or Gabriel Jesus if Saka is injured, but he is now optimistic that his star winger will be available for Arsenal’s trip to face Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta gives Bukayo Saka injury update ahead of Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed that Saka is set for a few fitness tests, but has escaped a serious injury.
“It’s not a serious injury. He’s evolving well. He was probably good enough to play with the national team second game. We have some big tests today so we are hopeful,” he revealed.
Saka has started in every Arsenal game this season, and he will not want a disruption to his incredible form which has seen him become his team’s primary creator.
Arsenal must be cautious over Bukayo Saka fitness
If Saka is fit to play against Bournemouth he will start, and rightly so. But ahead of a busy schedule, Arsenal must be wary that he cannot start in every single game.
After the trip to Bournemouth, Arsenal will face Shakhtar Donetsk and Liverpool at the Emirates, and the Champions League clash could be a good chance to rest Saka for one of Sterling or Jesus.
Even if Saka is keen to play every game, there will need to be caution over him given that Martin Odegaard is still absent, and that Arsenal have a lot of tough games before the next international break.
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