Mikel Arteta has provided the latest on the injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka and Ben White after Arsenal’s 2-1 win over West Ham at the London Stadium.
Takehiro Tomiyasu made his first Premier League start for Arsenal since January. (Image:Getty Images)
The Gunners were able to secure a crucial victory in race for the top four thanks to headers from Rob Holding and Gabriel, but the game was marred by fitness concerns.
Ahead of the match it was revealed that Ben White was missing from the game due to a tight hamstring. Takehiro Tomiyasu meanwhile was back in the starting XI for the first time since January but was forced to limp off, while Bukayo Saka also was taken off late in the game.
Speaking to the press conference after the victory over West Ham, Mikel Arteta revealed that Ben white missed out due to the injury he suffered against Manchester United.
“Ben got injured against Manchester United,” said the Spaniard of his English centre back. “He felt a muscular problem and we checked him. We’re going to have to assess him in the next few days.”
This is a worry given that Arsenal have a potentially season-deciding North London Derby to come in just 10 days’ time, a game they’ll surely want White fit for.
However, there was a positive update on Bukayo Saka.
“Bukayo was fine,” Arteta said.
“It was really fatigue and he’s been through a little injury.”
The 20-year-old has been heavily involved in all of the Gunners recent three victories, scoring in the wins over Manchester United and Chelsea and grabbing an assist today. The fact that he should be fit in time for the next few games is certainly a positive.
Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu who was back in the starting XI for the first time since January was substituted for Soares Cedric.
Arteta says he's not worried about Tomiyasu's injury.
White needs further checks on an injury he sustained against Manchester United.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) May 1, 2022
‘Tomi has been out for so long and he could not continue,’ said Arteta who went on to add he wasn’t concerned as he was forced to substitute the dependable Japan international with 12 minutes remaining with the former Bologna defender appearing to clutch his calf.