Mikel Arteta Delivers Positive Bukayo Saka Update Ahead of Community Shield Clash
Mikel Arteta is optimistic that Bukayo Saka will be available for Sunday’s Community Shield match against Manchester City at Wembley.
The 21-year-old was in the squad for Wednesday’s Emirates Cup match against Monaco, but he was an unused substitute as the Gunners defeated Monaco on penalty kicks after a 1-1 stalemate.
Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos were instead given minutes on the right flank, and Arteta later revealed that Saka was not risked because he was ill.
However, speaking to reporters during Friday’s pregame press conference, Arteta confirmed that Saka had recovered from his illness and would be eligible to perform on Sunday.
When requested for an update on Saka’s health, Arteta responded as follows:
“Yeah, Bukayo was much better, he trained today,”
before stating that he did not anticipate any additional questions.
Saka was not the only player unable to participate in the Emirates Cup; Reiss Nelson (toe), Albert Sambi Lokonga (muscle), Mohamed Elneny (knee), and Folarin Balogun (foot) were also sidelined.
Former Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has also been dealing with a calf injury, but the Ukrainian, who became a father for the second time on Wednesday, is nearing a return to action.
The same cannot be said for forward Gabriel Jesus, as the Brazil international has been ruled out for the first few weeks of the season due to knee surgery.
Jesus was sidelined for three months following the World Cup due to a knee injury, and despite playing for Arsenal on their tour of the United States, he was in agony as a result of the injury.
The 26-year-old will therefore be a spectator against his former club, and it is anticipated that he will miss Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League openers against Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth.
Arteta acknowledged that Jesus was “extremely disheartened” by his setback, but that undergoing surgery to prevent a recurrence was “the best course of action.”
“He’s fine, obviously he was very disappointed. He was feeling very good and this issue came up which nobody expected,” Arteta added on Jesus.
“We had to do a little procedure there but unfortunately it was the best thing to do, as quick as possible the better, and we made that decision. I’m sure he’ll be back soon and very fit.”
This weekend, Arsenal will attempt to win its 17th Community Shield; since succumbing to Chelsea in 2005, the Gunners have won each of their last four appearances in the traditional season-opener.
Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3-0 to claim the Community Shield in 2015. Manchester City had lost the previous two Community Shields to Leicester City and Liverpool, respectively.
Mikel Arteta Delivers Positive Bukayo Saka Update Ahead of Community Shield Clash
