Mikel Arteta provided a positive update on Bukayo Saka following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday.
Although Saka, who scored the opening goal, was substituted late in the game due to an injury, Arteta expressed optimism and doesn’t anticipate a prolonged absence for the England star.
In contrast, Arteta expressed more concern about Oleksandr Zinchenko, the full-back, who appeared to worsen a pre-existing calf issue during the match against Liverpool.
Speaking after the game, Arteta appeared optimistic about Saka, as he told reporters: “He should be fine. He got a kick, I think, on the ankle or on the back of his foot, but he should be fine.”
On Zinchenko, the Arsenal boss seemed a lot more uncertain. “With Alex (Zinchenko), we don’t know,” Arteta added. “He had this feeling in his calf again and we had to take him off.”
Arteta’s initial assessment follows a familiar trend for both players. Saka’s dynamic runs often result in minor injuries, but it rarely hinder the 22-year-old from taking the field for his club.
On the other hand, Zinchenko has faced several challenges since his move to north London from Manchester City, experiencing three separate periods on the sidelines due to calf problems. Arteta is optimistic that this recent issue for Zinchenko is a minor one.
Following the significant victory on Sunday, Arsenal’s upcoming schedule provides some relief, with only one game per week to prepare for in the next two weeks.
With a full six days before the next match against West Ham at the London Stadium next Sunday, there is ample time for the players to recover from any bumps and bruises.