Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal are unsure whether Eddie Nketiah could have picked up a long-term injury.
football.london understands that the 23-year-old first suffered a knock to his right ankle in the build up to last Saturday's win over Leicester. He was replaced in the starting XI by Leandro Trossard, but came on as a sub in the game. The same thing occurred during Wednesday's 4-0 win over Everton, but despite providing the assist for Gabriel Martinelli's second goal, Nketiah collapsed to the ground at full time and headed straight down the tunnel.
And now Arteta has revealed there are concerns over the fitness of the Hale End forward who is a doubt for Saturday's clash with Bournemouth at the Emirates.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta confirms Gabriel Jesus is 'not far' from Arsenal return amid Europa League hope
"We are assessing him," the Spaniard said in his pre-match press conference. "It's a bit uncertain what will happen with him to be honest in the training sessions," the Spanish tactician confirmed to reporters at London Colney. "Let’s see, let’s keep the options open. He’s very positive about it and hopefully he’ll be fine."
When pressed as to whether Nketiah could be out for a long time Arteta stated: "Hopefully not," and then added "no" when questioned as to whether the club were sure if he was out for the long term.
The club however, are insistent that Nketiah is being assessed and will not be out for long-term. There is a possibility that he could still be in the squad for the clash with Bournemouth this weekend.
READ NEXT:
Nketiah, Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus: Arsenal injury news and return dates before Bournemouth
Mikel Arteta plans for Gabriel Jesus return as Arsenal January signing risks losing his place
Latest Arsenal injury news as two miss Bournemouth with Eddie Nketiah update and five concerns
Arsenal given major Premier League title boost with Gabriel Jesus injury return at 'crucial time'
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
