Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is in contention to feature for Arsenal at Chelsea this weekend.
Saka missed the 1-0 win over Manchester City before the international break with a hamstring issue and did not join up with England for October’s international fixtures with Australia and Italy.
The 22-year-old’s absence ended a run of 87 consecutive Premier League appearances, but Arteta has revealed that the winger – who has started the season in excellent form for the Gunners with four goals and two assists from seven Premier League games – is in contention to face Chelsea this weekend.
Arteta said Saka will be assessed ahead of the London derby clash at Stamford Bridge, but said the England international ‘wants to play’.
The Spaniard was asked whether Saka could be rested by England for November’s international break, after the Three Lions confirmed their place at Euro 2024 this month.
“I don’t know how they’ll approach it,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“When our players are fit, we are happy to let them go to the national teams, the players want to go. It is a great opportunity for them.
“Sometimes players feel better when playing every three or four days. They can get knocks, this is part of the game. I’m sure he wants to play [against Chelsea]. I don’t see any player that doesn’t want to be in the starting XI.”
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