Mikel Arteta provides Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey injury updates
- Saka limped off with an injury at the weekend
- Partey has missed a number of games due to a groin injury
- Both are likely to be available for Arsenal's games against Lens and Man City
Mikel Arteta has revealed that Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey may be available for Arsenal's Champions League clash with Lens in midweek.
Saka limped off with an ailment during Arsenal's 4-0 win over Bournemouth at the weekend, suffering a suspected foot injury after blocking a shot from Milos Kerkez in the 75th minute of the game at the Vitality Stadium.
The injury had led to fears that Arsenal's key man could miss crucial games against Lens and Premier League leaders Manchester City this week. But ahead of the Champions League encounter at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, manager Arteta has provided some good news about Saka's condition.
"He's fine, he's much better. Obviously he took a big knock but he's recovered well and he trained today. It's great if he's available and we will make that call [before the game]," Arteta said.
The wide forward has been known for his remarkable ability to play week in, week out in recent seasons, breaking a 26-year-old club record at the start of the season by making an astonishing 83 consecutive Premier League appearances. Saka has since added another four games to that tally, taking his record to a whopping 87 consecutive games.
While Saka has been famed for his availability, Thomas Partey has regularly struggled with injury concerns throughout his Arsenal career. Partey has missed six games this season already due to a groin injury, but has returned to training recently however, and Arteta has now revealed that he could be available for this week's games.
"He's been progressing really well in the last two weeks, and he managed to train the last two or three days with the team. That’s great news for us obviously," he added.
"He's progressing and has been very good in the past week. He is a big player and we know what he brings to the team."
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