Saka was forced off after 27 minutes on Sunday (Picture: Getty)
Bukayo Saka could be fit to play against Chelsea on Sunday with Arsenal optimistic he has not suffered a serious injury.
The 21-year-old provided an assist just four minutes into the game but was forced off inside half an hour during Sunday’s 5-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest.
After initially receiving treatment following a heavy challenge from Renan Lodi he was brought off 10 minutes later, heading straight down the tunnel with his replacement Reiss Nelson going onto score twice in the second-half.
Arsenal are still monitoring the injury but the signs have been encouraging, with Saka leaving the Emirates without the need of crutches or a protective boot on Sunday evening, according to The Sun.
The England star is not expected to feature when Arsenal take on FC Zurich in their final Europa League group game on Thursday. But the report adds he could be involved at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.
Arsenal and England still face a nervous wait to learn the full extent of Saka’s knock. The Three Lions officially begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on 21 November.
But Gunners manager Mikel Arteta also struck a slightly more positive note when giving an update on his player most-match.
Saka’s fitness being closely monitored by England (Picture: Getty)
Hopefully not [the World Cup in doubt],’ Arteta told a press conference.
‘It was a bad kick, he was limping but I don’t see it further than that. Both foot and ankle, he got kicked a few times.’
Saka has played in every Premier League match this season with Arteta recently dismissing concerns about the youngster’s gametime, insisting he would have no qualms in him playing 70 games this season.
‘Look at the top players in the world, they play 70 matches, every three days and make the difference and win the game,’ Arteta said after the 1-0 win over PSV earlier this month.
‘You want to be at the top, you have to be able to do that. And if we start to put something different in the mind of a young player, I think we are making a huge mistake because then [he would] be like ‘no, I don’t play now, on astroturf I don’t play.
‘I don’t want that. I want them to be ruthless every three days. I want them knocking on my door (saying) ‘I want to play, I want to win the game.’
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Saka limped off on Sunday.
