Arsenal have been handed a huge injury boost as they prepare to return to Premier League action following the latest international break.
When Bukayo Saka was forced off early with an injury during England’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League League B loss at home to Greece, Arsenal fans immediately feared the worst as their ‘star boy’ hobbled off the pitch and was later seen limping after the game too.
These fears appear to have been alleviated, for the time being at least, after interim England boss Lee Carsley revealed that Saka was close to a return before leaving the national camp to return to Arsenal – prompting hope that he will be fit in time to face AFC Bournemouth next Saturday.
It was revealed on Saturday that Saka would not travel to Helsinki, Finland, for the Three Lions’ second game of the international break, and that he would instead return to Arsenal to face further assessment on his potential injury.
Speaking ahead of his side’s game against Finland, Carsley said: “Bukayo would have been close [to being able to play against Finland] but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him. He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”
While fans do not know for sure if Saka will be fit until later next week, Carsley’s comments have been warmly received regardless, as any fears over a long-term injury, like the one suffered by captain Martin Ødegaard during the previous international break, were laid to rest.
