Arsenal are still hopeful that Bukayo Saka will be in good time to face Slavia Prague in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final on Thursday, while Gabriel Martinelli has confirmed that he will definitely be available.
The Gunners were left sweating over the Saka condition after he limped off in the 3-0 victory against Sheffield United on Sunday night.
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Bukayo Saka limped off against Sheffield United | Pool / Getty Images
The 19-year-old collapsed in a pile with no one nearby – sparking initial fears that the injury could be particularly serious – although it was later revealed that he collided with Blade frontman Rhian Brewster just seconds before going down.
The Gunners face Slavia Prague in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday – a competition that now represents their only realistic chance of securing a place in next season’s Champions League – and the Daily Mail reports that the club’s medical team is continuing to evaluate the kid with hopes of that he is ready for the trip to Prague.
Meanwhile, Martinelli has confirmed that he will be ready for the collision after enduring an injury scaring himself on Bramall Lane.
Hungary has been plagued by injuries since arriving at the Emirates Stadium in 2019 and he was also replaced late for beating the Blades.
However, Mikel Arteta will receive news that he will be ready for the Europa League trip, with Martinelli giving a definitive answer when asked if there is a chance he could miss the game: “No, I’m okay to play on Thursday. “
Arsenal will definitely be without services from the injured duo David Luiz and Kieran Tierney on Thursday night, although club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to return after missing the win over Sheffield United due to illness.
The Gunners had plenty of chances in the first round against Slavia and could have taken a practical lead over to Prague for the second stage, but instead the tie is fine-tuned thanks to a last-minute goal from Tomas Holes who made it 1-1 at night.
