Arsenal have been handed an injury boost after Mikel Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka is available to face FC Zurich in the Europa League on Thursday night.
The Lowdown: Injury concerns
The Premier League giants host Bo Henriksen’s side at the Emirates Stadium tonight, with victory seeing the Gunners topping the group and securing a place in the last 16 of the competition.
There had been serious concerns over the 21-year-old, having limped off the pitch during the 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend, but the Gunners boss has now played down such fears in a positive fitness update.
The Latest: Saka fitness update
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Arteta revealed that Saka has now returned to full training and is in contention for the clash against Zurich, whilst also providing updates on Mohamed Elneny and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
As quoted by the club’s official website, the 40-year-old said: “They are at different stages obviously. Mo had a long-term injury but he has recovered now in a really good way and has been training with the team for a week or two now. Alex is just very recent and he’s had two training sessions. Bukayo just missed one or two sessions and was fine today.”
Asked if the winger will be available for tonight, the manager replied “Yes”.
The Verdict: Boost for Arteta
Saka has been dubbed a ‘leader’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and it’s a huge boost for Arteta to have one of his standout performers at his disposal again.
The England forward has already made ten goal contributions in 17 appearances across all competitions this season and currently averages 2.3 shots, 1.9 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per league game (WhoScored).
Those returns rank him among the top five for each metrics among the Arsenal squad (WhoScored), illustrating just how crucial he is to their attacking play.
Saka being back is hugely encouraging news for Arteta, who will be hoping that his side can pick up all three points to claim top spot and secure a strong end to their group campaign.