Bukayo Saka injury update issued ahead of Arsenal vs Newcastle | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka did not suffer another injury after making his first start for Arsenal since recovering from a hamstring problem.

The winger missed games against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Athletic Club after he was forced off the pitch during the Gunners’ 5-0 win over Leeds United last month.

Saka returned from his four-week layoff against Manchester City at the weekend, replacing Noni Madueke at halftime of the 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

The 24-year-old started in Wednesday’s win at Port Vale to send Arsenal through to the fourth round of the League Cup.

Saka was replaced in the 63rd minute by 15-year-old Max Dowman, not long after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge.

Bukayo Saka injury update ahead of Arsenal vs Newcastle

Mikel Arteta assuaged fears that the England international had suffered another injury setback, explaining that he had always planned to sub him off after an hour.

“It was planned, 60 minutes was the maximum,” he said. “We had four, almost five players already in the line-up that we had to get him out for different reasons, especially for load because he was coming from long periods out.

“He comes from an important injury and we need to manage his load.

“So we planned for that and the good thing is that nobody got injured, so there are no muscular issues. So that’s a very positive thing again.”

When asked if the forward will feature for Arsenal against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday, Arteta said: “He will be around for the weekend, yes.”

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On the team’s performance at Vale Park, Arteta added: “I think we started the game really well, very dominant, scored a goal. We had another three or four opening chances that we didn’t manage to score the goal.

“In the second half we lost a little bit of grip of the game, especially with the direct play, with all the throw-ins to the sidelines and winning territory and then again.

“We lack a bit of dominance and control. With a few adjustments, we go back to that. We scored a beautiful goal, the second goal from Willy (Saliba) and the quality of Leo on the finish is top draw. In general, happy with the win, the clean sheet and the debut of Kepa (Arrizabalaga) for us today.

“The goal of Ebz (Eze), his first for the club and then the fact that even making nine changes, the team can still perform really well.”

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