Mikel Arteta offers Bukayo Saka & William Saliba injury updates before Chelsea clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed he is yet to make a decision on whether injured duo Bukayo Saka and William Saliba will return from their injuries against Chelsea on Saturday.

Star winger Saka missed the 1-0 win over Manchester City before the international break after picking up a knock which also kept him away from England duty, while Saliba aggravated a toe problem against the Premier League champions and pulled out of the France squad.

The fitness of both players has left fans sweating over the past two weeks ahead of Saturday's trip to Chelsea who, while still 11th in the Premier League table, have shown flashes of real quality over the past few weeks.

Asked whether he had any team news to share, Arteta told Friday's press conference: «Not a lot. We haven't had a lot of players. We're going to do our first training session today and we'll know more after the session.»

Pressed on Saka's fitness, the boss added: «He's been working so hard to be fit for this game. So let's see where he's at today.»

As for Saliba, Arteta revealed the centre-back's toe injury had been bothering him for weeks and has left his involvement against Chelsea up in the air.

«Hopefully [it won't be a long-term issue], but obviously he's been carrying that for weeks now and we have to give him time to settle,» the boss said.

On Saliba's chances of facing Chelsea, Arteta concluded: «Depending again on how he trains today.»

Arsenal head into the game second in the Premier League table, level on points with leaders Tottenham Hotspur but trailing only on goals scored.

With Spurs not due to face Fulham until Monday evening, Arteta's side have the chance to return to the top of the Premier League table with a positive result against Chelsea.

feed