Arsenal left sweating over Bukayo Saka’s fitness as 23-year-old pulls out of England squad due to injury: Reports
Arsenal are sweating on Bukayo Saka's fitness as the forward pulled out of the England side. He suffered an injury in the second half of their defeat to Greece earlier this week.
The 23-year-old endured a right leg injury and limped out of the match against Greece, while England were 0-1 down. He was replaced by Noni Madueke, but the Three Lions were unable to get the win.
Lee Carsley spoke about the injured forward after the loss to Greece and said (via Standard):
"He's being assessed. In the build-up to the first goal, you could see he felt something in his leg."
Arsenal are back in action on October 19 when they travel to face AFC Bournemouth. They also have issues with Kai Havertz, Thomas Partey, Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, while Kieran Tierney and Martin Odegaard are long-term absentees.
Havertz and Partey pulled out of their national team squads this week but are expected to be available for the Bournemouth clash, scheduled to be played on October 19. Timber, White, and Zinchenko are also expected to make the trip after staying back in London during the international break.
However, Arsenal are waiting for further tests on Bukayo Saka before knowing when the Englishman will be available again.
Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Bukayo Saka after his brilliant performance for Arsenal against Southampton on October 5. He stated that the Englishman was showing maturity and helping the Gunners pick up points on his own.
Arteta said (via Sky Sports):
"That's the maturity and that's the steps that players have to do. He has been long enough in the team now, he has the right to have that role. He believes in that, that he has the capacity to change games, to decide games, like many other players, and he wants to be at the top. Sometimes players have to create those moments, and he's certainly done that today again. I think it's another step ahead, and it's what he wants."
"Do it at home, do it away, do it in big games, in the not-so-big games, and when the team needs it, not when it's 3-0. That is what defines a top, top player. What he's doing at his age is unbelievable. We have many examples of that as well," he added.
Arsenal are third in the Premier League table after seven matches. They are level on points with Manchester City, but are a point behind league leaders Liverpool.