Arteta gives fitness update on Saka ahead of two big games for Arsenal | OneFootball

Arsenal Starboy Bukayo Saka has been backed to prove his fitness to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League and then Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League semi-final.

The England forward caused concern to Arsenal supporters when he was kicked out of his side’s weekend win at Ipswich when Leif Davis was sent off for a dangerous foul from behind. He was later seen receiving ice treatment to the injury after being withdrawn in the second half.

But manager Mikel Arteta predicted Saka will be fit for action on the eve of their lastest London derby against south-of-the-river Palace.

Arteta said: “Hopefully it is nothing too serious. Yeah, if we want [play him] there will be a good chance.”

Saka has hit the ground running after his recent return to fitness following four months out following hamstring surgery.

The instant impact – including a goal on his comeback match against Brentford and then away to Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final win in Spain – has transformed the club’s prospects for the remainder of the season.

“That is what you hope for,” Arteta admitted. “He worked very hard. He was giving good signs that he can impact the game. After those months out it is a credit to him.”

The next big task for Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta is to persuade Saka to extend the two years remaining on his current contract and sign a new deal.

Arteta was asked if he would like that to happen this summer and answered: “Yes. When the time comes we will have those conversations. He has been very clear what his intentions are.”

Arteta’s dilemma ahead of the visit of Palace is whether or not to play Saka or any of his other star players a week before PSG come to town for their semi-final, first leg.

He added: “It is a difficult decision but I always think 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. Unfortunately, anything can happen in football in terms of injuries and it can be players keep their edge better when they play.”

Palace boss Oliver Glasner could also be tempted to make changes to his side ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa.

Either way, and despite beating Palace in their last six matches, Arteta is not expecting an easy ride. He explained: They are always a difficult opponent and are very good away from home. We will be prepared to need to be at our best to win.”