Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed Bukayo Saka is “in contention” to face Manchester City on Sunday.
The winger has struggled with his fitness in recent weeks and was ultimately forced off the pitch during the 2-1 defeat to Lens in midweek, leaving fans sweating ahead of the visit from the reigning champions.
In Friday’s press conference, Arteta began by offering an update on Saka’s condition.
“He’s in contention, let’s see how he progresses from here to Sunday,” the boss revealed. “He had to leave the pitch, that’s never good news but let’s see how he recovers.”
Later asked whether a scan had confirmed Saka’s injury was minor, Arteta stressed: “In contention. That’s it. I’m not a doctor. That’s what they told me.”
One player who will definitely be back in Arsenal’s squad is midfielder Thomas Partey, who has not featured since picking up a groin injury late in August.
“He is ahead of schedule, that’s for sure,” Arteta said of the Ghana international. “We wanted to have him in the squad if we needed to, the way the game panned out we had other necessities and didn’t use him. He will be in the squad.”
Partey began the season as Arteta’s first-choice right-back but his injury opened the door for Ben White to reclaim his spot for the past four games.
“Really happy with Ben,” Arteta said. “He’s been a consistent player for us, he’s always been available for us.
“He’s developed in a great way as a centre-back and especially as a full-back because there were some question marks as well. He’s got the character of a fighter, a character that is needed in the squad, especially at this level. I’m really happy to have him.”
