Arsenal hopeful of significant injury boost vs West Ham

Arsenal had plenty to be thankful for when the full-time whistle blew against Manchester United, not least that they ended up securing all three points.

Bruno Fernandes’ hilarious penalty miss was one of a few key moments in the game that went in the Gunners’ favour, including a handful of contentious decisions that, for a change, saw the hosts get the rub of the green.

Granit Xhaka’s thumping 25-yard strike sealed the win for Arsenal just when it looked like it might evade them, and then if the smile couldn’t get if any wider Takehiro Tomiyasu made his long awaited return to the side following 90 days away from action with calf injuries.

Apart from the worryingly chaotic nature of the game, where Arsenal’s full-backs both endured exceedingly difficult afternoons, there was only one real downside on the game.

Arsenal optimistic of significant Bukayo Saka injury boost vs West Ham despite being forced off in 3-1 win over Manchester United

Mikel Arteta confirmed after the game that ‘five or six’ of his players were suffering from knocks having played Chelsea just three days prior, one of whom was Bukayo Saka.

The Star Boy had another excellent game for Arsenal but went down clutching his left thigh shortly after Xhaka sealed the win. Going to ground without any real contact is always a concern, and Arteta wasted no time bringing Rob Holding on in his stead as he reverted to the famous back five low block.

Saka was able to walk off somewhat gingerly, and while there have been some concerns overs his fitness, Simon Collings of the Evening Standard has allayed those fears.

It is understood that the decision to withdraw Saka was a precautionary move more than anything, and that the club are optimistic that he will be available to face West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday.

Only Benjamin White has played more minutes than Saka this season, although nobody has featured in more separate matches than the 20-year-old’s 38.

Boasting a two point lead over Tottenham as Arsenal sit in fourth place, that cushion could be wiped out by the time the Arsenal take on West Ham with Leicester making the journey south to Spurs two-and-a-half hours before that game kicks off.

Both north London sides will be facing teams in midweek European action, given the pair an edge heading into the first of five remaining Premier League encounters.