Arsenal are optimistic Bukayo Saka will be back in their team to face West Ham United at the weekend, despite his recent injury substitution.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team's second goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2022. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Bukayo Saka put in an influential display against Manchester United last weekend, forcing the save that presented Nuno Tavares with a tap-in for the opening goal, before winning and scoring a penalty for Arsenal’s second.

If Granit Xhaka hadn’t scored a piledriver, Saka may even have won Arsenal another penalty. His chipped pass was blocked with a hand in the area in the build-up to that third goal.

After that, Saka was replaced having seemingly suffered an injury.

The Evening Standard report that the move to withdraw Saka was largely precautionary, and Arsenal are hopeful he will be fit for Sunday’s match against West Ham United.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal scores their team's fourth goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal scores their team’s fourth goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Saka is Arsenal’s top scorer this season, with 12 goals in all competitions and 11 in the Premier League alone.

Arsenal haven’t been getting many goals from elsewhere, with Emile Smith Rowe (11) the only other player in the squad on more than 7, so they need the winger available if possible.