Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed there is a chance Bukayo Saka will feature against Crystal Palace. The Gunners star suffered an injury scare during the north London side’s win over Ipswich Town at the weekend.
Saka suffered a rash challenge from full-back Leif Davis, who was given a straight red card by referee Chris Kavanagh. The Tractor Boys ace raked a stomp down the back of the Arsenal talisman’s leg 32 minutes.
The winger was able to continue but was replaced soon into the second period and was seen applying ice to his ankle soon after. Nevertheless, Arteta is confident the issue is not serious heading into the game against Crystal Palace, with Paris Saint-Germain soon to follow in the Champions League.
The Spaniard even reckons Saka, if they desired, could feature at the Emirates on Wednesday night if required.
“We have to wait and see how he reacts after the session but it’s nothing too serious,” said Arteta. “If we want to there’s a good chance (he can play tomorrow).”
“He was giving good signs that he can impact the game,” Arteta added on Saka’s earlier return from a hamstring injury. “After those months it is a credit to him.”
The Gunners do have other injury concerns however. Midfielder Jorginho and defender Riccardo Calafiori are set to miss the game.
Arteta suggested the former may not play again before the season is complete. The Italian suffered a rib injury against Brentford.
“I am not certain he plays again this season,” said the ex-Arsenal midfielder. “We will have to see.
“I am not talking about any dates. It was a quite scary situation. The good news is he is recovering and he is better.”
Calafiori has not played since before the last international break and is still managing his issue, and taking preventative action so as not to suffer a repeat of the issue. “There is an impact injury and a twist,” Arteta explained.
“He is managing it and how to be on top of certain situations and how to prevent them.”
Despite the club’s injury issues, Arteta does not feel he is able to rest players against Crystal Palace to ensure Arsenal arrive primed to take on PSG.
“We cannot think in those terms,” Arteta said. “If the players are fit and they are ready to play then they have to play. Physically they are good and emotionally they are good.”
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