Arteta Not Ruling Out Saka for City  Cracker

Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka is in contention for Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City on Super Sunday despite limping off with an injury in their Champions League defeat to Lens.

Saka left the field holding his leg in the 34th minute of Tuesday’s Group B game, with Arteta saying afterwards that he had suffered a “muscular” problem and that it was a “worry”

But the 22-year-old was named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad on Thursday and, speaking at his press conference yesterday, Arteta said he is in the frame to feature against City.

“He is in contention,” he said. “Let’s see how he progresses from here to Sunday.

“Obviously, he had to leave the pitch and that’s never good news, but let’s see how he recovers.”

Pressed for more detail, Arteta repeated: “In contention! That’s it. I’m not a doctor. That’s what they told me.”

Asked about Saka’s England call-up and whether he would ask for the forward’s minutes to be limited, Arteta said: “I have spoken to Gareth Southgate on several occasions.

“I have to do my job by giving the news and the position that everyone is at. We have good communication.

“He needs to make the best decision for the national team and I’m not going to get involved there.”