Arsenal are optimistic that Bukayo Saka will make his return later this month as the club monitor his recovery from a minor hip strain.
The English international of Nigerian descent was a notable absentee from Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup semifinal victory over Chelsea after picking up the issue during the warm-up ahead of Saturday’s Premier League win at Leeds.
Initial assessments have eased concerns within the Arsenal camp, with the injury not believed to be serious. While Saka is expected to miss at least the next two weeks, the club remain confident he will be fit in time for the North London derby against Tottenham on February 22.
Saka’s availability is being carefully managed, with Arsenal keen to avoid any unnecessary risk given his importance to the squad.
The winger has been a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s side this season, providing consistency, creativity and goals from the right flank.
Arsenal face a busy run of fixtures in the coming weeks, beginning with a home league match against Sunderland on Saturday before a midweek trip to Brentford next Thursday.
Attention will then turn to the FA Cup, with Wigan visiting the Emirates on Sunday, before the Gunners travel across north London a week later for the high-profile clash with Spurs.
The club’s medical staff will continue to assess Saka’s progress on a daily basis, but there is quiet confidence that the setback will not disrupt his season significantly.
Arsenal are hopeful his return will provide a timely boost as they enter a decisive period across domestic competitions.
