15 September 2023 , 12:39
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Mikel Arteta has confirmed Bukayo Saka is fit for Arsenal's clash with Everton but midfielder Thomas Partey remains sidelined for a couple more weeks.
Arsenal travel to Merseyside on Sunday looking to keep up their unbeaten start to the season. Their recent record away at Everton is not great though, having lost on their last three visits and winning just one of their last seven trips to Goodison Park.
The Gunners dramatically beat Manchester United before the international break and sit fifth in the table going into this weekend's matches, two points adrift of champions Manchester City.
There had been fears Saka would miss the trip to Everton due to a naggling achilles problem that saw him only come on as a substitute for England against Scotland in midweek.
But in his pre-match press conference, Arteta insisted there are no fresh injury worries: "Bukayo is fine. He trained normally today so there’s nothing to report there.
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"Every player has pains or issues but it’s nothing to worry about. They all came back well and trained today so they are in a good place.
Partey meanwhile sat out the win over United due to a groin problem and there were initial fears that he could be out of action for two months. Arteta insisted the Ghanaian midfielder is progressing well but was still a 'few weeks away' from returning.
There is more good news on the contract front too, with captain Martin Odegaard close to agreeing a new deal. The 24-year-old's current contract expires in 2025 but talks are progressing well.
"I’m always optimistic. We’re really close with him and his agent. Whenever that’s confirmed we will announce it," Arteta added. "He’s our captain he’s a massive player for us. He is eally important for now and the future. We want to keep him here for a long time."