Bukayo Saka is facing an uphill battle to prove his fitness in time for Arsenal's Premier League trip to Manchester City. The England international has been sidelined with an Achilles issue and has not featured since the Carabao Cup final defeat to City on March 22.
The problem, thought to be Achilles tendinopathy, is delicate, and there are concerns that rushing his recovery could rule him out for the remainder of the season. Saka was at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, embracing team-mates after they reached the Champions League semi-finals, but he is yet to return to training.
Mikel Arteta said: "It's something that he was carrying for a while. It was an Achilles issue. It's progression but hopefully it's going to be a matter of days and not weeks. But he has to see when the load is more how he responds to that kind of progression."
Arsenal's injury concerns extend beyond Saka. Noni Madueke, who deputised for him, was forced off with a knee issue against Sporting CP, though there is cautious optimism he avoided serious damage. Riccardo Calafiori has a chance of returning against City following a knock, while Jurrien Timber remains coy on his groin injury, and Martin Odegaard confirmed he tweaked his knee during the win over Sporting in Lisbon.
Arsenal have booked their place in the Champions League final, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain on May 30.
