Mikel Arteta is hopeful Bukayo Saka will be fit for Arsenal’s trip to Brighton on Saturday.
The winger was left out of the Gunners squad on Wednesday night as they beat Luton 2-0 to go back top of the Premier League.
Saka has been struggling with a muscle issue and was forced to withdraw from the England squad last month ahead of friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
He took part in training on Tuesday, but Arsenal decided not to risk him for the game with Luton.
Arteta, however, is hopeful Saka can be back ready for this weekend’s trip to Brighton.
“He was close but he felt something in a very similar area (to) against City and it was a very short turnaround,” said Arteta.
“Hopefully he will be able to train [on Thursday] and be available for the weekend.”
Arteta rotated his side for the win over Luton and made five changes from the team who drew with Manchester City on Sunday.
Emile Smith Rowe was one of those who came in and the midfielder was named man of the match.
“I love him as a player, he is a joy to watch,” said Arteta. “How he moves, changes direction and how physical he was today without the ball.
“He went into duels and won a lot of them and was thinking with that killer instinct to play forward and make things happen.
“When Emile is in that moment, it’s very difficult to stop him. Today he helped us a lot to win the game.”
