Saka confirmed fit for Arsenal’s weekend clash vs Wolves with injury not as bad as first feared
Last Updated: November 26, 2020 1:26 pm
Saka fit
Bukayo Saka was involved in a nasty clash during Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Leeds at the weekend. The England international, who came on as a substitute, was not risked, and immediately brought back off the field of play, replaced by Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
After the game, Mikel Arteta was not clear in his assessment of Saka’s fitness. “He was in pain,” said the manager.
“We’re going to have to assess with the medical staff how bad it is, but it looked like a pretty bad challenge and he was in pain so we decided to take him out straight away.”
Despite the initial worry, though, Arsenal have released a statement on the club’s website, providing a positive update on the 18-year-old’s fitness:
‘Right leg impact. Sustained dead leg during the match at Leeds. Has not travelled to Molde but will be available for Sunday’s match against Wolves.’
This will come as a huge relief to Arsenal fans who have seen their side struggle from a creative standpoint this season. Saka’s cameo against Leeds at Elland Road sparked a brief period of hope for the Gunners, and the England international had a great chance saved by Leeds keeper Illan Meslier.
Saka will not play in midweek in the Europa League, but will likely start for the north Londoners this weekend, with Nicolas Pepe suspended.
Fitness update
The club also provided updates on Sead Kolasinac, Mohamed Elneny, Thomas Partey, Willian, Pablo Mari and Gabriel Martinelli.
Both Kolasinac and Elneny – who had tested positive for Covid-19 over the international break – were confirmed to have been ruled out of the midweek meeting with Molde. It is unclear whether the pair will be available for the ensuing Wolves clash.
David Luiz has returned following the birth of his daughter, which saw him miss the trip to Leeds United. The Brazilian will likely feature in the Europa League, with Shkodran Mustafi also in line for a start.
Arsenal’s David Luiz during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. (Photo by Rui Vieira/PA Images via Getty Images)
Thomas Partey and Willian have not made the trip to Norway, with both continuing to work on respective issues. The latter is being assessed ahead of the weekend.
Pablo Mari and Gabriel Martinelli are long-term absentees, but both have been pictured in full training this week, building their fitness ahead of a return to action.
Arsenal boss Arteta confirms Willian injury/Provides Saka update
Mikel Arteta discusses how Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has evolved
This article was edited by Conor Laird.
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| Fernandes, Bruno | Manchester United FC | 11 |
| Vardy, Jamie | Leicester City FC | 11 |
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| Zaha, Wilfried | Crystal Palace FC | 8 |
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| Rashford, Marcus | Manchester United FC | 7 |
| Ings, Danny | Southampton FC | 7 |
| Watkins, Ollie | Aston Villa FC | 7 |
| Maupay, Neal | Brighton & Hove Albion FC | 7 |
| Lacazette, Alexandre | Arsenal FC | 7 |
| Mane, Sadio | Liverpool FC | 6 |
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| Bellerin, Hector | Arsenal FC | 0 | 6 |
| Gallagher, Conor | West Bromwich Albion | 0 | 6 |
| Bissouma, Yves | Brighton & Hove Albion FC | 1 | 5 |
| Egan, John | Sheffield United FC | 1 | 5 |
| Hayden, Isaac | Newcastle United FC | 0 | 6 |
| McGinn, John | Aston Villa FC | 0 | 5 |
| Reid, Bobby | Fulham FC | 0 | 5 |
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| Kante, N`Golo | Chelsea FC | 0 | 5 |
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| Fernandes, Bruno | Manchester United FC | 0 | 4 |
| Grealish, Jack | Aston Villa FC | 0 | 4 |
| Ward-Prowse, James | Southampton FC | 0 | 4 |
| Tielemans, Youri | Leicester City FC | 0 | 4 |
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| Kane, Harry | Tottenham Hotspur FC | 11 |
| De Bruyne, Kevin | Manchester City FC | 9 |
| Grealish, Jack | Aston Villa FC | 8 |
| Fernandes, Bruno | Manchester United FC | 7 |
| Son, Heung Min | Tottenham Hotspur FC | 6 |
| Rashford, Marcus | Manchester United FC | 5 |
| Robertson, Andrew | Liverpool FC | 5 |
| Digne, Lucas | Everton FC | 5 |
| Vardy, Jamie | Leicester City FC | 4 |
| Ward-Prowse, James | Southampton FC | 4 |
| Werner, Timo | Chelsea FC | 4 |
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| Harrison, Jack | Leeds United | 4 |
| Chilwell, Benjamin | Chelsea FC | 4 |
| McGinn, John | Aston Villa FC | 4 |
| Cresswell, Aaron | West Ham United FC | 4 |
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