Bukayo Saka will have a scan on his left leg to determine the extent of his injury suffered just minutes after scoring against Newcastle on Saturday.
Saka, 20, hobbled off just over an hour into the Premier League clash at the Emirates and was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli.
The England forward had broken the deadlock early in the second half with a composed finish, while it was Martinelli who wrapped up the three points for Arsenal against a lacklustre Newcastle outfit.
Saka has played 19 games for club and country already this season and has been one of Arsenal’s most influential attacking talents over the past two seasons.
But there is concern he may not be fit for Thursday’s Premier League encounter with Manchester United following his setback at the weekend.
Bukayo Saka injury latest
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta explained that Saka’s injury “was an action where he said he felt something and wasn’t comfortable to continue”.
The manager added: “We’ll have to assess him tomorrow [Sunday] and probably scan him and see if there’s any injury there.”
Arsenal do at least have some breathing space to see if Saka can pass a fitness test, with their game against Ralf Rangnick’s United not scheduled until Thursday.
However, the December fixture pileup then begins in earnest, with the United clash marking the first of four matches within the space of a fortnight.
Arsenal will play eight games in December before a New Year’s Day clash against Manchester City. And losing one of his top offensive outlets may have Arteta worried.
Who could replace Saka?
Saka started on the right wing against Newcastle and has played 12 times for club and country on that flank this season.
Twice in the last three Arsenal fixtures has Saka been replaced by Martinelli. The Brazilian appears an obvious choice to slip into that flank but Arteta has used Martinelli sparingly this season and hasn’t given him a league start since the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in August.
On his goal, Arteta said of Martinelli: “It is a big moment for him and I’m especially happy for him because how he behaves.
“Some players are respectful when you make some decisions, and some players are very respectful, like he is. He’s patient, but at the same time he’s really pushing and challenging.
“It makes every decision that you make even harder because he deserves more and I’m really pleased because he really helped the team to get the points today.”
Nicolas Pepe is another candidate who could to take up that role on the right, despite Arteta leaving the £72m man out of his Premier League plans since mid-October.
Arsenal upcoming fixtures
- 2 Dec: Manchester United (a)
- 6 Dec: Everton (a)
- 11 Dec: Southampton (h)
- 15 Dec: West Ham (h)
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3xtMNou
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