Bukayo Saka injury update provides boost to Arsenal | OneFootball

Lee Carsley has hinted that there’s hope Bukayo Saka will be fit to face Bournemouth next weekend, suggesting the winger could even have played on Sunday.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of England goes down with an injury before being substituted during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium on October 10, 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

In a boost to Arsenal’s hopes of including Bukayo Saka in their matchday squad against Bournemouth next weekend, interim England boss Lee Carsley has confirmed that the player could even have been in contention for their game against Finland.

“Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him,” Carsley said.

“He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”

LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of England reacts as he leaves the field to be substituted after receiving medical treatment to an injury during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium on October 10, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

England confirmed on Saturday that Saka has withdrawn from international duty for the remainder of the October break, leaving the camp ahead of their trip to Finland.

The winger returned to Arsenal for further assessment, with Ryan Taylor reporting that the decision was taken in consultation with Arsenal’s medical staff.

Saka had suffered a hamstring injury during England’s first game of the break, coming off early in the second half.

The player could then be seen with a slight limp walking away from the game afterwards.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Jude Bellingham of England looks on as Bukayo Saka of England goes down with an injury before being substituted during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium on October 10, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The expectation is that Saka will now undergo scans to assess the severity of the issue, though initial reports suggest it’s not hugely serious.

Arsenal face Bournemouth next Saturday, October 19th, then Shakhtar Donetsk the following Tuesday, October 22nd. But the big game coming up is against Liverpool on October 27th, just 16 days from now.

Given Saka’s form this season, with 10 goal contributions in 10 games for Arsenal, his availability against the league leaders could be vital.