Bukayo Saka will be assessed(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Bukayo Saka injury could actually be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal

Bukayo Saka limped off during England's defeat to Greece on Thursday night and could now be a doubt for Arsenal's first match back after the international break

12 Oct 2024, 09:00 by Lee Wilmot · football.london

Bukayo Saka is "being assessed" after limping off early in England's Nations League defeat to Greece on Thursday night. Everyone connected with Arsenal will have exhaled a collective gasp when a leg injury forced him off in the 50th minute.

The Arsenal forward has been sent for scans on the injury, with the extent not yet confirmed by England or the Gunners. Interim Three Lions boss Lee Carsley said after the game : "In the build-up to the first goal, you could see that he had felt something in his leg."

Arsenal do not return to Premier League action until next week, with a trip to the south coast to take on Bournemouth next up on Saturday, October 19.

Whether Saka will be fit or not to make the starting lineup will become clearer as we get towards the end of next week. But there is a scenario where this injury could be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal.

Stick with us here.

England take on Finland in their next Nations League clash, with the game to take place on Sunday. Saka is highly unlikely to take any part in that clash as a result of his setback against Greece.

If the scan on his leg only shows a minor injury, it could well be that an extra period of rest could hugely benefit Arsenal. Saka is one of the Gunners' most important players, but the risk of burnout is strong, given his importance to Mikel Arteta and the team.

If, and it's a big if, the injury is not a bad one, Saka - who would likely have taken the field to face Finland if fit - will be well rested and could be raring to go by the time the trip to the Vitality Stadium comes around.

A whole week of rest will do the player good. But it all depends on the extent of the leg injury. Any significant problems and Saka will be a huge miss for the Gunners, although Arteta does have plenty of able deputies.

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