Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has allayed concerns over England winger Bukayo Saka after his withdrawal from Monday night’s 3-0 FA Cup third round victory against Oxford.
The 21-year-old received treatment for what seemed to be pain in his right knee with the Gunners leading 2-0, and he was quickly substituted off before Arsenal scored the game-winning goal.
Saka has started 20 of Arsenal’s 25 games in all competitions so far this season, missing just the November Carabao Cup loss to Brighton. Saka has also contributed directly to 13 goals (seven scored, six assists).
Mikel Arteta was able to provide an optimistic report after the match, telling ITV: “He is great, he was fine.”
This speaks well for Saka’s fitness when the Gunners go to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday for the north London derby.
Before the end of January, Arsenal will face Manchester City in the FA Cup and a resurgent Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League. The Gunners continue to lead City by five points in the Premier League.
Scott Saunders is now hosting Graeme Bailey and Toby Cudworth on the most recent edition of Talking Transfers. This week, the panel discusses Manchester United’s interest in Mohammed Kudus, Enzo Fernandez and Chelsea, Jude Bellingham’s choice, and Mykhaylo Mudryk’s potential transfer destination. Available across all audio formats.
If this embed is not visible, go here to listen to the podcast!
Fans are eager for the team to strengthen during the January transfer window in order to preserve its lead until the conclusion of the season, particularly after watching Chelsea close in on Joao Felix.
Arsenal are in negotiations with Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, after having had bids of €60 million and €70 million rejected. Shakhtar value the player at €90 million, citing Antony’s summer move to Manchester United for a comparable fee.
