“Anytime I remember what the doctor said about Bukayo Saka’s injury, I got broken”: Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta reveals what the doctor has said about Bukayo Saka’s injury
Arsenal host Crystal Palace in tonight’s Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners returned to winning ways in the league with a 4-0 victory at Ipswich Town last weekend.
The club raced into an early 2-0 lead before Leif Davis received his marching orders for a reckless challenge on Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal secured a convincing 4-0 win but should have scored plenty more.
Ahead of the London derby against Palace, Arteta said that Saka’s injury is nothing too serious and he could be involved.
He told Arsenal.com: “We have to wait and see how he reacts after the [next training] session, but it’s nothing too serious. If we want to, I think he would have a good chance to play.”
However, the Gunners boss added that Riccardo Calafiori and Jorginho are ruled out of the encounter. The latter may not return to action for a few weeks.
He added: “Yes Ricci is out, and Jorginho as well. For Jorginho I think unfortunately it will be a few weeks.”
Calafiori was signed to be Arsenal’s first-choice left-back, but his regular injury concerns have paved the way for Myles Lewis-Skelly’s brilliant breakthrough.
The 18-year-old primarily played as a defensive midfielder in the academy but has been exceptional in the left-back role since making his maiden start.
Calafiori is anticipated to return in the near future but may have to play second fiddle to the teenager for the remainder of the ongoing campaign at least.
Jorginho has been a squad player this term. He has been called into action when Thomas Partey has been unavailable, played out of position or rested.
Partey is suspended for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, but Jorginho will play no part in the tie.
The midfielder has been ruled out after his chest injury against Brentford. Declan Rice is poised to start in the number six role with Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard in front of him.
Leandro Trossard bagged his maiden brace for the Gunners last weekend. The Belgian star will likely get the nod as the makeshift striker against Les Parisiens.
Arteta may not make several changes for tonight’s derby versus Palace. The Gunners need form and momentum in preparation for PSG’s visit next week.
