Arsenal returned to winning ways on Sunday as they put five goals past Nottingham Forest to earn another huge three points to their total in the Premier League. The victory keeps them top of the league heading into November, edging even closer to the mid-season break for the World Cup.
While it allowed the side to get that winning feeling again after a tough couple of games, there was one huge problem coming out of the clash. That was the injury to Bukayo Saka, who limped off after suffering problems with both his ankle and his foot in the first half of the match.
With the youngster only managing 27 minutes, there have been some concerns about his availability for the huge sets of games coming up before and including the World Cup. With that said, here's a look at the latest on the youngster's injury.
READ MORE: Arsenal begin Facundo Torres January transfer talks amid Edu 'mystery winger' search continues
Arteta's time frame
Discussing the issues Saka faced, manager Mikel Arteta said he was hopeful that he would return soon, giving a time frame for when he would know more about the injury. Speaking to reporters, the Spaniard said: "Hopefully not [out for the World Cup]. It was a bad kick. Right from the beginning, he was limping, but I don’t see any further than that. Let’s see how he is in the next couple of days.”
Potential replacements
Should the England international be out for a while, Arteta will have to choose a replacement on the right-wing, a position the squad are light in after allowing Nicolas Pepe to leave in the summer. The No. 1 option could well be Reiss Nelson, who came on for Saka and scored a brace against Nottingham Forest.
Given that performance, he could force himself into the team, taking his opportunity with both hands when it has been presented to him. Another who could play out there if Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian moving out wide while Eddie Nketiah fills in as the central striker.
Upcoming fixtures
While the Gunners wait a few days for the full scale of the injury, the fixtures don't stop coming thick and fast for them. Here's a look at the upcoming fixtures that he could miss before the World Cup.
Europa League - FC Zurich (H) - November 3
Premier League - Chelsea (A) - November 6
Carabao Cup - Brighton (H) - November 9
Premier League - Wolves (A) - November 12
Huge boost
While there is caution around the Saka's injury, the Sun are reporting that there is optimism that the winger could return for the side's London derby against Chelsea next week. That is also boosted by the fact he managed to carry on playing for a period of time before his substitution, as well as leaving the stadium walking freely rather than in a protective boot.
READ NEXT:
Saka, Elneny, Marquinhos: Arsenal injury news and return dates after Nottingham Forest victory
Reiss Nelson's 837-day goal record revealed as Gabriel Magalhaes leaves Arsenal crowd in shock
Arsenal's next four fixtures compared to Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City
Arsenal begin Facundo Torres January transfer talks amid Edu 'mystery winger' search continues
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
