Mikel Arteta provides positive Bukayo Saka update ahead of West Ham clash
The 22-year-old opened the scoring in last weekend's 3-1 beating of league leaders Liverpool but was withdrawn on the 79-minute mark after taking a blow to the ankle.
Saka was seen walking around the pitch at full time, though, and Arteta allayed any fears of a long-term injury to the Hale End graduate immediately after last Sunday's triumph.
Only Jordan Ayew (70) and Bruno Guimaraes (66) have drawn more fouls than Saka (46) in the current Premier League season, and the level of protection that the England international receives from referees has often been a hot-button topic.
However, addressing the media in his post-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that the signs were positive, saying: «He's been recovering this week and he looks OK.»
While Saka should be passed fit to start at the London Stadium, question marks are still hanging over the heads of three key performers, including ex-Manchester City pair Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus.
Zinchenko only lasted until half time against the Reds due to an injury to his calf — an area which he has damaged a few times since arriving in North London — while Jesus missed out entirely with a new knee niggle.
Arteta revealed after the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on January 30 that Jesus had been managing pain in his knee following two surgeries, although he expressed hope that the Brazilian's latest issue would heal in a matter of days.
The Gunners are also expected to welcome Takehiro Tomiyasu — who could be a straight swap for Zinchenko — back from the Asian Cup after Japan were knocked out last weekend, but Arteta refused to
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