Bukayo Saka has provided Arsenal with a welcome boost after returning to training ahead of their clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
The winger has been a crucial figure for the Gunners so far this term, scoring the winner in their success over Liverpool last month, and will be available for the trip across London to Stamford Bridge. The clash in west London is the first of three games in six days for the league leaders.
Mikel Arteta's side have surpassed all expectations by setting the pace in the Premier League and will hope to go into the World Cup break still leading the pack. Arsenal face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup next Wednesday before taking on Wolves a week on Saturday.
Saka's swift return to fitness means he will be available for all three games, although he will expect to be rest for the midweek cup clash against the Seagulls. The England star was forced off in the win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday but doesn't need to spend any time on the sidelines.
Arteta gave an update on his injury situation in north London, stating: “They are in different stages [of recovery] obviously. Mo [Elneny] had a long-term injury but he has recovered in a good way and now he's been training with the team for a week or two. Alex [Zinchenko] is more recent and has just two one or two training sessions and Bukayo has missed one or two and was fine today.”
The Spaniard also hinted that he wants his forward players to receive more protection from officials. "I'm sure that the referees have looked at all the incidents, all the fouls, the amount of fouls our front players are getting. It’s their job to manage that situation in the best possible way," he added.
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The Arsenal boss could utilise Saka for Thursday's Europa League clash against Zurich, where the Gunners only need a point to top their group. It seems unlikely that he will call upon the 21-year-old however having used his Thursday nights to give some of his squad players the opportunity to play.
Saka, who is still in the midst of contract talks with the north London club, is expected to star for England at the World Cup in a matter of weeks. The versatile forward has continued to grow in importance under Gareth Southgate and is full of confidence following his exploits at club level.
The Arsenal star has scored five times so far this term, placing him on top of the club's scoring charts alongside Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli with the trio combining effectively in the opening months of the season.
