Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka is “going to be out for a while” as Arsenal prepare to face Hull on Saturday.
The Gunners boss, speaking at his pre-match press conference, said the England winger will not start stepping up his work on the pitch until after the international break.
“We talk about obviously weeks,” Arteta said. “Let’s see after the international break. He’s going to start hitting the pitch and start to have more activity, see how he feels, but unfortunately he’s going to be out for a while.”
Asked whether Saka could target the upcoming games against Manchester City, Tottenham and Real Madrid, Arteta added: “I don’t want to push these guys into too much pressure. They are doing their best to get fit and are desperate to get back with the team, but it’s still quite early.”
There was better news on Ezri Konsa, who has been named in the England squad.
“He’s fine. He was feeling much better today. We took him out for precaution,” said Arteta. “Yesterday and today he’s feeling good.”
Konsa is one of five Arsenal players in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, along with Ben White, Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Declan Rice.
“It’s a proud thing obviously to have a big English core in the national team at our club. It’s something that is part of our identity,” Arteta said.
Of White’s return, he added: “He’s been brilliant and I’m really happy with that. It’s a moment that he’s earned and he needs to enjoy now.”
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