Bukayo Saka and William Saliba Face Late Fitness Tests Ahead of Arsenal’s Clash with Chelsea

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a nail-biting decision regarding the fitness of two key players, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, ahead of their upcoming match against Chelsea this Saturday. Both players have been grappling with injury concerns in recent weeks.

Will Saka and Saliba be Fit For Chelsea Clash?

Saka missed Arsenal’s 1-0 victory against Manchester City after picking up a muscle injury in their Champions League defeat to Lens. He was subsequently withdrawn from national team duty with England.

Arteta revealed that Saka has been working hard towards a return but emphasised that his availability remains uncertain. “He has been working so hard to be fit for this game and let’s see where he is at today,” Arteta stated, in his press conference on Friday morning.

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When asked whether Saliba will feature against Chelsea, Arteta bluntly stated, “Depending on how he trains today.”

Arsenal’s reliance on these two players is evident in their statistics this season. Saliba has played every minute of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign, whilst Saka has contributed four goals and two assists.

The Gunners may also face another setback with Leandro Trossard nursing a hamstring injury. The Belgian is currently a doubt for the London Derby on Saturday.

Despite these fitness concerns, Arsenal currently sit level on points at the top of the table with North London rivals Tottenham. The two sides remain the only teams with an unbeaten start to the league campaign.

William Saliba has not been dribbled past in his eight Premier League appearances in 2023/24.

And he's committed just two fouls all season. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/eOYkmvkMPv

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 8, 2023

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