In a dramatic Premier League encounter against West Ham United on Saturday, Arsenal did not emerge entirely unscathed.
Mikel Arteta’s side were able to record an emphatic 5-2 win at the London Stadium, maintaining their impressive post-international break form, and taking the Gunners, temporarily at least, to second in the table.
However, the North Londoners had to suffer physically. Gabriel Magalhaes picked up a knock, and he was not the only Arsenal player who had to be withdrawn before half-time due to injury.
After a player-of-the-match performance, Bukayo Saka limped off before full-time, whilst Riccardo Calafiori also could not make it to the final whistle.
Mikel Arteta confirms Bukayo Saka fitness
Saka was at his brilliant best in East London. The Arsenal winger got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot – having won the penalty himself – and also provided two assists.
The 23-year-old is a talismanic figure in this Arsenal side, and Arteta will appreciate how crucial it is for the club’s aims and objectives for this campaign that he is able to remain fit and firing on all cylinders.
As such, it is unsurprising that the Spanish coach was quizzed about Saka’s fitness soon after full-time.
As quoted by Football.London, Arteta was able to swiftly put fans’ fears to bed, as he announced: “He’s fine.”
Saka himself sent a warning to Manchester United after this match, and it seems likely that he will be fit to play a part against the Red Devils on the Gunners’ next outing.
Arsenal taking cautious injury approach with Riccardo Calafiori
Meanwhile, there is slightly more concern about the state of Calafiori after this win over West Ham.
The Italian defender trudged off the pitch, looking somewhat uncomfortable, with 56 minutes on the clock.
Arsenal fans criticised Calafiori’s overall performance, but Arteta has confirmed that he was not withdrawn for tactical reasons.
He said: “Well, he’s been dealing with little niggles in the last few weeks, obviously, he’s had a very serious knee injury and he’s doing really well but we have to manage his minutes. Today we have to do the same.”
With the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, and Kieran Tierney all fit and available to cover for Calafiori, it should be easy enough for Arteta to protect the former Bologna man as he builds up his match fitness again.
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