Medical expert: Bukayo Saka news will have ‘huge psychological’ impact on Arsenal
Bukayo Saka will be able to play a role against West Ham on Sunday (1 May) – and that will be a “huge psychological” boost to Arsenal.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Saka, 20, withdrew 20 minutes from time as Arsenal beat Man United 3-1 last Saturday (23 April).
Per The Mirror after the match, Mikel Arteta revealed that the wide man has been handling a “big knock” and was “struggling” throughout the game.
Saka has featured in all 33 of the Gunners’ league matches in 2021-22.
And Dinnery claims that he should be available once again this weekend.
“He came into that game having picked up a slight knock,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“But the indication when he was on the pitch was that it was either his thigh or maybe even his hip flexor.
“Saka has been a major player in this race for the top four. He has been in great form and they are in a really good place.
“You just hope it was a little bit of fatigue and that he is available for the West Ham game.
“If it was anything more sinister, it would be more difficult given the quick turnaround.
“It’s all about weighing up the pros and cons. If he can play through it, maybe for 60 or so minutes, I’m sure that’s what they’ll do.
“Psychologically, that will be a huge motivator because he has really integral to this Arsenal side.”
Saka’s 38 appearances this term have yielded 12 goals and five assists.
He netted from the spot in the Gunners’ last two matches, against Man United and Chelsea.
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