Mikel Arteta provides Bukayo Saka update ahead of Manchester United clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Bukayo Saka will be fit for Thursday's Premier League encounter with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old went down holding his groin in Saturday's 2-0 win over Newcastle United, and Arteta subsequently confirmed that he "felt something muscular".

The Gunners are confirmed to be without Sead Kolasinac and Granit Xhaka once more, but Arteta has not ruled out the possibility of Saka featuring in midweek.

Speaking to reporters at his pre-game press conference, Arteta said: "I am hopeful but we don't know. Obviously it's a really short turnaround and the player has to be comfortable playing with a little injury, so let's see how he is in training," as quoted by arsenal.com.

"We're not going to risk our players if we believe that that can obviously go against us. Bukayo is really willing. He's been preparing for the last two days because he wants to play and let's see how he is."

Saka's opener against Newcastle was his fourth goal contribution from 13 Premier League games this season, and either Nicolas Pepe or Gabriel Martinelli will be primed to start if the England international is not passed fit.