Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Kaya Kaynak

Arsenal given huge injury boost as Mikel Arteta provides Saka and Martinelli update

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both look set to be fit to play when Arsenal take on Southampton in the Premier League at St. Mary's Stadium this weekend.

Saka had to come off after going down with a calf injury during Thursday night's 1-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven creating some concerns over his availability for the clash on the south coast. Martinelli was the man who replaced him, but he has also been a doubt after missing a training session in midweek with an illness.

However, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta revealed that he was confident both should be fit and ready for Sunday's match.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta sets Bukayo Saka challenge as Cody Gakpo sends Arsenal transfer message

"I think he's fine," the Arsenal boss said of Saka. "He was struggling a bit at the end but hopefully he'll be fine for Sunday."

He then went on to provide a positive update on Martinelli after the Brazilian played around 10 minutes on Thursday. "He had a tough week," the Spaniard said. "He wasn't feeling great in the week. But in the day before the game he was already feeling better so that's why we decided to play him a little bit."

It seems as though Arsenal may have to wait a little while longer before Oleksandr Zinchenko is fit however as the Ukrainian continues to recover from a calf problem that has kept him out since the win over Tottenham at the start of the month.

"I think he's close," Arteta said of the Ukrainian. "He's getting better and better and he's progressing really well. He had a set back on an injury that he got at the start of the season which is a shame, but knowing Alex he will be back very soon."

Arteta stopped short of ruling Zinchenko out for this weekend's game however. Instead, as is his custom when it comes to team news, the Spaniard continued to insist that the former Manchester City full back might be available to play.

"I can't tell you," the Spaniard said when asked if Zinchenko might return for the trip to Southampton. "He's always in contention."

READ NEXT:

Every word Mikel Arteta said on Bukayo Saka's minutes, Xhaka's display and Europa League win

Arsenal player ratings vs PSV as Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka star but Tierney has mixed night

Why Granit Xhaka shouted at Bukayo Saka: Europa League moments missed Arsenal vs PSV

Cody Gakpo admits Arsenal 'frustration' after Emirates Stadium debut audition ends in defeat

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.