Charles Watts has been speaking in the latest video on his YouTube channel, where he discussed Bukayo Saka’s injury issues.
The 19-year-old has played a pivotal part for Arsenal this season, making 34 appearances for the capital club, bagging six goals and providing seven assists in the process.
Saka hass quickly established himself as one of Mikel Arteta’s key men at the Emirates Stadium, and his withdrawal at half time in the North London derby last weekend appeared to put some doubt over his chances of featuring in the Europa League on Thursday.
However, Watts has provided Gunners fans with some positive news ahead of their midweek clash with Olympiacos regarding the forward’s fitness.
He said: “He’s fine. He’s having a late test today, could be involved [against Olympiacos]. But that certainly suggests that even if he is given the night off, that he will be okay for West Ham. So good news from that.”
TIF Thoughts on Saka…
With Arsenal taking a 3-1 lead into the second leg of this Europa League last-16 tie, risking Saka is probably unnecessary for Arteta.
Although the competition may be the club’s priority given they are unlikely to qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the top four of the Premier League, they should be in a decent position to get past Olympiacos without the England international.
Saka will be keen to earn his fifth England cap and join up with Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad in the coming days, and saving himself for the trip to West Ham could be wise in the long run.