Bukayo Saka is an injury doubt for Arsenal after picking up a knock for England.(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Bukayo Saka injury latest as Arsenal given 'hope' with Mikel Arteta to provide update

The latest Arsenal injury news as star forward Bukayo Saka returned from international duty early after picking up an apparent hamstring problem during England's shock defeat against Greece.

16 Oct 2024, 11:30 by Amie Wilson · football.london

Arsenal have injury worries over several players ahead of their return of the Premier League this weekend. The Gunners are in action on Saturday afternoon (5.30pm) when they take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

Mikel Arteta's side will be looking to close the one-point gap between themselves and Liverpool, who sit at the top of the table. Arsenal are just one of two teams yet to be beaten in the top-flight, alongside Manchester City.

Similarly to the last international break, the current two-week hiatus from domestic football has brought about some clear injury worries. The club will be sweating over the fitness of Bukayo Saka among others.

The star forward was named in the starting line-up for England's surprise 2-1 defeat against Greece on Thursday night, but a hamstring problem saw him leave the field early in the second half. He has since returned to Arsenal.

Saka has been a key player for the Gunners so far this season, providing an assist in all-but one of their Premier League games in 2024/25. He scored one and assisted two in their 3-1 win over Southampton last time out, too.

Here are the latest news and headlines surrounding his injury as football.london takes a closer look;

Boost for Bournemouth game

According to The Athletic, Saka is 'hopeful' he will be fit in time to take on Bournemouth at the weekend, which will be a huge relief for Arteta and his backroom staff. He's being assessed by the club's medical team, and a final decision on his availability will be made this week.

Insight from England camp

England interim manager Lee Carsley gave an optimistic update on Saka ahead of the Three Lions' game against Finland on Sunday evening. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he shared the latest on the Arsenal man.

"Bukayo would have been close," Carsley said. "It would have been unfair to take a risk with him... He's a positive person and I expect him to be fine."

When will we find out more?

Arteta will provide the latest update in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Bournemouth. Arsenal's manager will speak to the media on Friday, where he will no doubt talk about Saka's fitness - and others.

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