Arsenal expect Bukayo Saka back for Chelsea clash amid FA talks over England role

The Gunners anticipate their star winger will return for London derby after missing the win over Manchester City through injury

Arsenal expect Bukayo Saka to be fit for their clash with Chelsea after the international break.

Saka missed Sunday’s 1-0 win over reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium due to a slight hamstring injury.

The winger sustained the issue in last week’s Champions League defeat by Lens and has not trained since.

Saka is a doubt for England’s friendly against Australia on Friday night and their European Championship qualifier with Italy next week, with both games at Wembley.

Fitness struggle: Bukayo Saka went off injured in three successive matches for Arsenal
Getty Images

But Arsenal expect him to be available for their trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in a London derby on October 21.

Arsenal and the Football Association (FA) were holding talks on Monday morning over Saka’s availability for England duty, though it is expected the winger will report to St George’s Park as planned, where he will be assessed by medical staff.

Asked on Sunday if Saka would go away with England, Arsenal boss Arteta said: “No, he couldn’t make it.

“He hasn’t had a single training session, so he will be out. He’s not available to play football at the moment.”

Saka has been struggling with knocks this season and was forced off injured against Bournemouth and Tottenham last month before also limping out in the loss at Lens.

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