Mikel Arteta reveals if Bukayo Saka will play for Arsenal vs Bournemouth after injury

Mikel Arteta has hinted that Bukayo Saka may be fit to play for Arsenal this weekend , following an injury scare.

Saka sustained an injury while on international duty with England in their defeat against Greece and was subsequently left out of their second match with Finland as a precautionary measure.

This led to worries that he might not be available for Arsenal's Premier League match this weekend - however, Arteta has suggested that the Gunners' star player WILL be ready to take on Bournemouth on Saturday, conceding that Saka would "probably" have been okay to play against Finland last Sunday.

During his press conference on Friday, Arteta commented on Saka's condition: "It's not a serious injury. He's evolving well. He was probably good enough to play with the national team second game. We have some big tests today so we are hopeful."

The news that Saka's injury is not severe will be a significant relief to Arsenal. They have already lost captain Martin Odegaard due to an ankle injury he picked up during last month's international break.

They also have other concerns regarding key players such as Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli ahead of their journey to the south coast to face the Cherries, although it is yet to be confirmed if either will participate.

Artea, however, hinted at a more positive update on Odegaard. He stated: "He's not gonna be fit for this game. Next week will be a different story. He needs to clear some markers doing things with the ball in that latter stage of rehab. Next week will be crucial."

While Odegaard might still be a week away from returning, the news of Saka's availability is a boost for Arsenal ahead of their clash with Bournemouth. Earlier this week, Premier League icon Alan Shearer cautioned that losing Saka for any period would be a "massive blow" for the Gunners.

"It looks to be minor, but we're not sure how long Saka will be out for, so for Arsenal to lose two of their big players, and both of those are huge players, it would be a massive blow to Arsenal," he commented.

"When you consider what he brings to the squad with his energy, his skill, and his attitude, he's undoubtedly one of their key players. I hope Saka's injury isn't too severe and by all accounts it doesn't seem like it is, so it could be good news for him and Arsenal."