Integral Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has been seen training with the rest of the team after being forced off in Sunday's draw with Manchester City.
The Hale End academy graduate was unavailable for England's friendlies with Brazil and Belgium last month, withdrawing from the squad with what was believed to have been a muscular issue.
Saka managed to shake off the issue in time to make the first XI at the Etihad on Easter Sunday, but he failed to hit top gear and was effectively marshalled by left-back Josko Gvardiol.
The 22-year-old eventually limped off the pitch on the 78-minute mark alongside a physio, although Arteta stressed after the game that he did not appear to be suffering from anything more sinister than fatigue.
Elaborating on Saka's condition in Tuesday morning's press conference, the Gunners boss affirmed that the winger was "fine", although he had not led the day's training session by the time he faced the media.
Saka ✅
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 2, 2024
Bukayo Saka is in Arsenal training ahead of tomorrow's game against Luton after hobbling off against Manchester City on Sunday, pic.twitter.com/3TtnNYcKUm
Saka expected to be available for Luton Town clash
However, Saka was indeed able to practice as normal with his teammates on Tuesday, suggesting that he will be at Arteta's disposal for the visit of Luton Town to the Emirates on Wednesday night.
The England international's availability will come as particularly reassuring news to Gooners, whose side will temporarily return to the top of the table with all three points against the Hatters before Liverpool face Sheffield United on Thursday.
Despite drawing a blank in an underwhelming display against Man City, Saka has enhanced his status as one of the Premier League's leading attackers with 16 goals and 13 assists from 38 matches in the current campaign.
The 22-year-old has found the net 13 times while providing eight assists in the top flight, and he has directly contributed to a goal in eight of his last 10 matches in the Premier League, although the two outliers have come in Arsenal's last two games against Man City and Brentford.
As a result, Arteta is being tipped to drop Saka to the bench on Wednesday night in order for the Englishman to enjoy a deserved rest, potentially opening the door for Gabriel Martinelli to return to the first XI.
📸 | Gabriel Martinelli had strapping applied to his foot during training today.
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) April 2, 2024
Mikel Arteta confirmed that he is is ready to start for Arsenal tomorrow. 🇧🇷✅ pic.twitter.com/58OaqSYsur
Martinelli foot problem being managed
The Brazil international suffered a painful cut during last month's 6-0 beating of Sheffield United, which also denied him the chance to represent his country during the most recent international window.
However, Martinelli was back in the ranks for the trip to Man City and was brought on as Saka's replacement for the final 15 minutes, where he held the fort in an unfamiliar right-wing position.
The 22-year-old did have medical tape applied to his foot on Tuesday, but Arteta had already stressed at his pre-game press conference that he would be fine to play the full 90 minutes on Wednesday should he be required.
With Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard more natural fits on the left, Martinelli is seemingly the prime candidate to step in for Saka, unless Reiss Nelson - absent from the squad to face Man City - is brought back in from the cold.
Barring any late surprises, Arsenal should only be without Jurrien Timber through injury against Luton on Wednesday, where they could break a Premier League goalscoring record they set over a decade ago.
Ben Knapton
