Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is expected to remain sidelined for several more weeks after suffering a quadriceps problem in last month’s Champions League draw away to Bayern Munich, manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
Key takeaways
- Saka will not be available for England’s Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain this month.
- Arteta expects the 25-year-old to resume work on the pitch after the international break.
- The Arsenal manager said the club’s medical department should not face excessive pressure over the recovery.
- Defender Ezri Konsa has improved after experiencing knee pain in the win over Slavia Prague.
- Arsenal are top of the Premier League after nine games and third in the Champions League standings.
Saka recovery set to continue
The England international sustained the injury during Arsenal’s European stalemate against Bayern last month and will continue his rehabilitation over the coming weeks.
Speaking before Arsenal’s league meeting with Hull City, Arteta said: “We are looking at weeks. We will see, but after the international break he should begin getting back out on the pitch. Unfortunately, he will be unavailable for some time.”
Saka’s absence also rules him out of England’s Nations League games against Croatia and Spain during the current international window.
Arteta added that he did not want Arsenal’s fitness and medical staff to be placed under undue scrutiny or pressure as they manage the winger’s return.
Konsa improving as Arsenal lead league
Arteta also offered a positive update on Ezri Konsa, who was forced off with knee discomfort during Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague. The Arsenal defender is feeling better, the manager said.
Arsenal head into their next league fixture sitting first in the Premier League on 24 points from nine matches. In the Champions League, they occupy third place, trailing Paris St Germain and Real Madrid by two points.
