Despite having an injury scare while on international duty, Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is apparently hopeful about his chances of being available for Saturday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth.
During Thursday’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League loss to Greece, the England attacker appeared to have a hamstring injury and hobbled off the field while clutching the back of his leg. Saka missed England’s 3-1 victory over Finland on Sunday after being sent home from the England camp for additional evaluation, despite interim manager Lee Carsley’s confirmation that he was very certainly going to make the squad.
Carsley said at a press conference, “Bukayo would have been close, but it would have been unfair to take a chance with him. “He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.” Now that The Athletic has revealed that Saka is optimistic about his chances of being fit for Saturday night’s trip to Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta can relax a little bit following a number of injury scares relating to the international break.
Saka being assessed by Arsenal medics before Bournemouth clash
The 23-year-old is optimistic about being able to participate this weekend at Vitality Stadium, but he is still being evaluated by medical personnel, so a final decision regarding his involvement has not yet been made. Saka’s availability would be extremely beneficial to Arteta, who has seen the Hale End graduate flourish this season and serve as Arsenal’s primary creator with Martin Odegaard also out. Saka has assisted on seven goals this season in addition to having a direct role in three of his own. In six of his seven Premier League games this season, Saka has set up a goal.
Saka leads all players in the division with seven assists. Prior to the October break, the 23-year-old came back from behind to win 3-1 against Southampton and also scored a goal. Although Saka has been subjected to harsh treatment by opponents and was tied for fifth most fouls of any player in the 2023–24 Premier League season, he has only ever missed 15 games for his club or country due to illness or injury.
Could any other Arsenal players return for Bournemouth clash?
Saka is not expected to be the only Arsenal player to shake off a concern in time for the trip to the Vitality Stadium, as the Gunners are keeping their fingers crossed that Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey will both be available too.
Havertz withdrew from the Germany squad with a knee problem, while Ghana midfielder Partey left his national team camp due to unspecified ‘medical issues’, but neither man is thought to be at serious risk of missing out this weekend.
However, Arsenal have been handed a fresh scare over Gabriel Martinelli, who is being assessed for a calf injury by Brazil’s medical staff, and captain Odegaard is said to have suffered a setback in his recovery from an ankle problem.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White, Kieran Tierney, and Jurrien Timber are also recovering from injuries, so it’s unclear if any of them will be ready for the match against Bournemouth. Arsenal was tied for 17th place in the Premier League standings with Manchester City going into the international break, and they were only one point behind leaders Liverpool, who they will play on October 27.
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