Mikel Arteta issues worrying Arsenal injury update as Saka misses training
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka didn't train on Friday, with the Gunners dealing with a number of injury concerns ahead of their game against Burnley on Saturday.
Earlier in the week, Mirror Football exclusively revealed that Arteta will be without midfielder Thomas Partey for an extended period, while defender Jurrien Timber remains a long-term absentee. The injury concerns don't end there, though, with the Gunners boss providing a concerning update during his pre-match press conference.
Arsenal take on Vincent Kompany's Clarets with a three-point gap to make up on Premier League league leaders Manchester City. The holders will take on Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
Arteta was speaking after England manager Gareth Southgate made it clear he will name strong sides for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, despite the Three Lions' qualification already being secured. Spurs midfielder James Maddison has pulled out of the squad through injury, and questions have been asked over Saka's fitness after he was forced off towards the end of Wednesday's Champions League victory over Sevilla.
"We want out players to play for their club and national team," Arteta said. "B [Saka] didn’t train yesterday. Let’s see if he can make it tomorrow."
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Saka isn't the only doubt, with Eddie Nketiah and Martin Odegaard not fit to feature against Sevilla. Emile Smith Rowe is also currently sidelined, and Arteta provided the latest on the group.
Who should start for Arsenal on Saturday? Have your say in the comments section
Bukayo Saka was forced off in Arsenal's win against Sevilla (AFP via Getty Images)"Timber and Partey for sure out," the manager continued. "Emile is out. There might be a few more. We need to give them 24 more hours to give them a chance. We won’t know till tomorrow."
Arteta was also cautiously optimistic over Partey, who has missed a number of games already this term. "He’s progressing really well," the Spaniard said. "I said hopefully it will be weeks not months. He needs support and hopefully the injury will heal in the right way because he’s a big player for us."
Arsenal's opponents sit 19th in the Premier League table going into the game and have a number of absentees themselves, though Josh Cullen is available again after suspension. South Africa international Lyle Foster is still absent, though, with the Clarets issuing a statement confirming the striker is being given support over mental health issues.
“Lyle has been having issues with his mental well being and as his club, we’ve naturally made a decision to fully support him," manager Vincent Kompany explained. “He’ll get all the expertise and clinical support that he needs.
“We’re wishing him a speedy recovery and to be in a better place by the time he’s ready to come back. We were very fortunate with Lyle, he’s been very open and from that moment we were able to act.
“As soon as he showed signs of how severe it was, the entire support team just mobilised so he could focus on his own recovery. You have to put the human first at moments like this."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
