Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful Bukayo Saka will be ready for Saturday's clash with Brighton & Hove Albion after missing the win over Luton Town through injury.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is hopeful Bukayo Saka will be available for the weekend after he missed Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Luton Town. Saka was forced to withdraw from Gareth Southgate's England squad ahead of last month's friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.
The winger was ultimately passed fit to start Sunday's goalless draw against Manchester City before he limped off in the 78th minute.
Despite the concerns over his fitness, Saka was expected to be involved against Luton after featuring in Tuesday's training session.
Although Saka was seen arriving at the Emirates alongside his Arsenal teammates, Arteta ultimately took the decision to leave him out of the squad.
Commenting on Saka's injury prior to the game, Arteta told TNT Sports: "He had to come off against Manchester City three days ago feeling something and he hasn't been able to do everything that we needed to give him the chance to start the game. So we have decided not to play him."
In Saka's absence, Arsenal went on to claim a 2-0 victory over Luton thanks to Martin Odegaard's opener and a Daiki Hashioka own goal.
After seeing his side move top of the Premier League, Arteta revealed he is hopeful the England international will return in time for Saturday's meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Arteta told reporters: "He was close but again he felt something in a very similar area against Man City and it was a very short turnaround. Hopefully, he'll be able to train again and we can have him for the weekend."
Saka crucial to Arsenal's trophy hopes Arsenal will be desperate for Saka to be readily available over the final two months of the season, with the 22-year-old regarded as an integral part of Arteta's squad.
The attacker has registered more goal contributions than any other Arsenal player this season, having scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists in 38 competitive appearances.
Saka has started 28 of Arsenal's 30 Premier League matches, while he has been included in the lineup for seven of the club's eight Champions League outings.
The Englishman could have a key role to play in the next month, with the Gunners set to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals as well as going up against the likes of Aston Villa, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur before the end of April.
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