Mikel Arteta has eased any fresh injury fears over Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal star was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge in the Carabao Cup win over Port Vale.
Saka missed three games with a hamstring injury he picked up in the second week of the season against Leeds but made his return off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.
The England international started on Wednesday night against Port Vale, a decision questioned by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp ahead of kick-off.
Arsenal led after eight minutes through Eberechi Eze’s first goal for the club but they did not find a second to put the game to bed until the final five minutes.
Saka was left in a heap early in the second-half after a crushing challenge from a member of the opposition, prompting a brief stoppage in play.
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The Arsenal star looked in real discomfort but was able to get back to his feet and carry on.
Saka was able to continue but was replaced by 15-year-old Max Dowman 10 minutes later.
Speaking after the game, Arteta insisted the decision to replace Saka after 63 minutes was pre-planned and not a result of that heavy challenge.
He also confirmed the winger will be available for the trip to Newcastle United on Sunday.
‘Yeah, it was always the plan,’ Saka told Sky Sports.
‘The maximum we wanted him to play was 60 minutes, there is a lot of games coming up.
‘He is coming back from an important injury and again we need to manage his load.
‘He will be around for the weekend, yes.’
William Saliba meanwhile also played his second game in a week after returning from an ankle injury in the draw with Man City.
Martin Odegaard was not involved as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury with Noni Madueke this week joining him on the injury list.
The former Chelsea winger is facing up to eight weeks out as a result of a knee injury.
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