Bukayo Saka remains a doubt for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea on Tuesday, although Mikel Arteta confirms his injury is not serious.
The England winger was named in the starting line-up for the Gunners’ Premier League trip to Leeds United on Saturday, but did not make it to kick-off.
Saka was seemingly injured in the warm-up at Elland Road and disappeared down the tunnel during the warm-up, ultimately replaced in the starting XI by Noni Madueke.
Arsenal did not miss the 24-year-old, winning 4-0 in West Yorkshire and Arteta gave some explanation over his absence.
‘He had a little niggle and he wasn’t comfortable to start the game so we made a decision straight away,’ said the Gunners boss on Saturday.
‘We’re going to have to do some tests tomorrow and see how he is.’
Arsenal host Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday, leading 3-2 from the first contest at Stamford Bridge.
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Whether Saka will feature is yet to be confirmed, with Arteta telling a press conference on Monday afternoon of the suspected hip issue: ‘Yeah, we have to wait. Today he was better, but we have to wait and see. Have a response and then make the decision.
‘It doesn’t look like something too serious. Whether he’s going to be available for tomorrow or the weekend, we’ll see.’
Certainly missing the London derby this week, and plenty more matches to come, is Mikel Merino who has fractured his foot and will miss the majority of the rest of the season, if not the entirety of the rest of the campaign.
Asked if Merino will play again this season, Arteta said: ‘Well, we hope so. I don’t know. Obviously, he needs to go through a procedure, which is never always positive. He’s a big player for us. An athlete that has such a versatility and capacity to compete in various positions. Yeah, that’s a big blow.
‘Let’s see. It’s a very rare injury, so we have to wait and see once we have the surgery. How that reacts daily.’
He added: Obviously, monitor it throughout the week for the surgery. I know Mikel is going to do absolutely everything that he possibly can to come back as quick as possible. But, as well, he has to respect the healing process and the fact that, obviously, it’s an injury that is quite rare.’
Arsenal’s only other injury concern is Max Dowman, who remains sidelined.
‘No, nothing. You’re aware of all of them,’ Arteta said when asked if any other fitness issues had emerged from the weekend.
The second Carabao Cup semi-final continues on Wednesday when Manchester City take a 2-0 lead into their clash with Newcastle at the Etihad.
