Arsenal hopeful over Bukayo Saka injury boost as contact made over Gabriel Martinelli concern

Bukayo Saka will be back working at Arsenal this week as he bids to get fit for Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth.

The winger was released from England duty over the weekend after being forced off during Thursday’s 2-1 defeat by Greece.

Saka felt some discomfort in the back of his right leg during the build-up to the visitors’ first goal early in the second half at Wembley and underwent a scan after the game.

England interim boss Lee Carsley admitted the 23-year-old would have been “close” to making the squad for Sunday’s 3-1 win over Finland, but it would have been “unfair” to risk him.

“He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine,” Carsley added.

Arsenal are cautiously optimistic that Saka will therefore be fit to face Bournemouth, but he will be assessed by the club’s medical staff this week.

The Gunners have a packed schedule coming up, including the visit of Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium a week on Sunday.

Saka has been in sensational form this season and has seven assists in the Premier League so far, more than any other player.

He has been captaining the side in the absence of Martin Odegaard and will be eager to lead the team out again at Bournemouth.

Arsenal face a nervous wait to see if Gabriel Martinelli will be fit enough for that game after he complained of a calf issue while away with Brazil.

Martinelli notified Brazil staff of the issue on Sunday and has since undergone an MRI scan. Arsenal are in contact with Brazil and will continue to be so over the next few days.

Brazil are next in action in the early hours of Wednesday morning, when they host Peru in a World Cup qualifier. After a difficult start to the season, Martinelli has found his feet at Arsenal and scored in each of his last two Premier League games.