Arsenal have mapped out a training plan for Bukayo Saka in a bid to ensure that he is fit to face Chelsea next weekend.
Saka withdrew from the England squad on Monday due to a hamstring injury, after being assessed by FA medics at St George’s Park.
The winger has returned to Arsenal and will have rehab sessions this week before he, along with the rest of the Arsenal squad not away on international duty, will be given the weekend off to rest.
Saka will then return to Arsenal’s training base at London Colney on Monday as he bids to be fit to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Saturday.
Arsenal and Saka are both optimistic that he will be ready to face Chelsea.
The 22-year-old had hoped to face Manchester City last Sunday but Arsenal decided not to risk his fitness after he was forced off in their Champions League defeat at Lens.
Saka had spent the days after the Lens game working on his recovery and had hoped to train on the Saturday before the game with City.
But it was decided on the morning of Arsenal’s final training session that he was not ready and manager Mikel Arteta ruled him out of England duty in his press conference after the City game.
Saka will be joined at Arsenal this week by Leandro Trossard and William Saliba, who also withdrew from international duty with Belgium and France due to injuries.
Trossard tweaked his hamstring in the win over City, while Saliba has had pain in his toe for a few weeks.
