Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has revealed that Bukayo Saka’s injury is not a serious one, while confirming that he is likely to feature against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Saka limped off the 4-0 win over Ipswich Town in the second half after he was fouled by Leif Davis that led to the defender’s dismissal in the encounter.
Arsenal fans have been worried that the England international could miss the Champions League clash against PSG next week.
However, Arteta has shut down the suggestion that Saka is a major one, saying he is in contention to face Crystal Palace.
He said: “We have to wait and see how he reacts after (the training) session, but it’s nothing too serious.
“If we want to, I think he would have a good chance to play against Crystal Palace.”
The Spanish manager also revealed that he is willing to field a strong side against Crystal Palace despite not playing for anything of note in the Premier League.
The Gunners are 13 points behind Liverpool, who will be crowned champions if Arsenal lose to Palace or if they beat Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.
Arteta said: “We cannot think in those terms. When the players are fit and available and want to play, they have to play.
“They are at their best when they are playing and they have consistency in their performances and physically they are good, emotionally they are good, their understanding and their rhythm and the way they make decisions is at their best.”
After playing against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, Arsenal will not be in action again until they take on PSG in the Champions League on April 28.
Arteta believes the rest is vital for the team ahead of the mammoth clash against PSG.
He said: “We have more days, the amount of options that we have is not that many…. It’s good to have a little gap because we are really short in numbers.
“It is what we have. Let’s take the opportunity first of all. Earn the right to win the game tomorrow against a really good side that has a really good record away from home as well and after that we have time to prepare for the (PSG) game really well.”
Arsenal have never won the Champions League trophy, and they are also trophyless since winning the FA Cup trophy five years ago.
