Arsenal handed Bukayo Saka injury blow as forward limps off vs Chelsea

Mikel Arteta has been handed a significant injury blow as Bukayo Saka was forced off with an injury in Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League.

The Gunners had initially taken the lead against their London rivals in the 60th minute at Stamford Bridge, but that was cancelled out 10 minutes later as Pedro Neto put the hosts back on level terms. It was must-win game for Arteta's side as they entered Sunday's game 10 points behind league leaders Liverpool, and the draw keeps them nine points off the pace.

In a further blow for Arteta, Saka picked up a knock following a challenge from Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella with 10 minutes left on the clock. The 23-year-old limped off the pitch and was replaced by Gabriel Jesus.

READ MORE:14-year-old Arsenal wonderkid trains with first team ahead of Chelsea clash

READ MORE:Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer latest and FFP impact amid Man United talk

England interim manager Lee Carsley will have been watching intently as Saka was included in his squad for their Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland during the international break.

Arsenal's current injury list consists of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori. However, Arteta has been handed a significant boost in the last week with the return of midfielder Martin Odegaard.

After the international break, the Gunners host Nottingham Forest before they travel to face Sporting CP away in the Champions league. Arsenal then have a run of league games against West Ham, Manchester United and Fulham as they look to close the gap on rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.