Yahoo Sports Arsenal injury latest on Saka, Calafiori, Gabriel after West Ham
Mikel Arteta provided injury updates on Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gabriel Magalhaes after Arsenal’s game against West Ham United, and the news was largely positive.
Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gabriel Magalhaes were all withdrawn early in Arsenal’s 5-2 win over West Ham United, with each appearing to be related to injury or fitness.
Mikel Arteta confirmed as much after the game, but he had some positive updates to provide as well, particularly with regards to Saka.
“He’s fine,” Arteta said of Saka. “He’s fine, no problem.”
With Saka scoring a goal, assisting two goals, and winning a penalty in the West Ham match, that’ll be the news Arsenal fans want to hear.
On Calafiori, Arteta suggested the substitution was largely precautionary, with Arsenal wary of overplaying the Italian international after his recent injury.
“Well, he’s been dealing with little niggles in the last few weeks,” Arteta said. “Obviously he had a very serious knee injury and he’s doing really well, but we have to manage his minutes and today we have to do the same.”
The news was slightly less positive on Gabriel, with Arteta confirming the substitution was related to the same issue that forced the centre-back off early against Sporting CP.
Though he did suggest Arsenal’s three-goal lead was also part of the substitution decision, implying the defender could have continued if the game had been a bit closer.
“It was related to the previous injury that he had in Lisbon and obviously he did great to be part of that (today),” Arteta said. “But with that result and with the niggle that he’s feeling, we decided to take him off.”
With any luck, all three players came off early enough to avoid any damage, and they’ll all now be fit to face Manchester United on Wednesday.
Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu will miss the United match through longer-term injuries, whilst Mikel Merino (knee) and Thomas Partey (muscle) are both doubts after missing out on the West Ham game.
