Arsenal star Bukayo Saka will be assessed ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League clash with Luton on Wednesday. The winger hobbled off during the second half of Arsenal’s goalless draw with Manchester City on Sunday, raising doubts that he will feature against the Hatters.
Mikel Arteta’s side have not trained since that game and have only completed recovery sessions in the 48 hours since. Saka will have the chance to prove his fitness in a light training session on Tuesday.
Arsenal welcome Luton to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday and Arteta did not seem too concerned about Saka’s availability. Gabriel Martinelli will also be ready to play 90 minutes after coming off the bench against City.
Asked about Saka, the Spaniard said: “Yeah, he’s fine. Obviously, we haven’t trained, we recovered.
“We will have a short, light session and we’ll see if he is in the best condition to start the game.”
Martinelli had been absent since early March with a foot injury but replaced Saka late on against City. Arteta added on the Brazilian: “He is [available] because he was available to play against a really tough opponent two days ago.”
Arteta had said after keeping City at bay that Saka had not been pencilled in for 90 minutes at the Etihad Stadium. The 22-year-old was sent home from England duty as an injury precaution and did not take part in friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Saka trained only once prior to the trip to City and was therefore unable to complete the game. Arsenal will hope that the No 7 will be fit to play the majority of the Luton match.
Meanwhile, Arteta revealed that Jurrien Timber could feature before the season comes to a close. The summer signing suffered a serious knee injury on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign and has not been seen since.
Asked if Timber can return before May 19’s season decider, Arteta responded: “He’s doing very well. He’s back training. He’s not far off. The thing is that last step. We’re going to have to feel it now. I would say he’s got a good chance.”
Luton provided a tough test to Arsenal in the reverse fixture at Kenilworth Road. Declan Rice struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 4-3 victory for the north Londoners in one of the games of the season so far.
