Bukayo Saka could feature against Chelsea on Sunday amid initial optimism that his ankle injury is nothing too serious.

Bukayo Saka was forced off early against Nottingham Forest on Sunday with an ankle issue, raising some fears of a protracted absence.

Arsenal have some big games coming up in the next week and a half, including a trip to Stamford Bridge, before England head off to the World Cup. So it’s not an ideal time for Saka to be injured.

The Daily Mail report that England team medics have received word from their Arsenal counterparts that the early signs on Saka’s injury are positive. The FA are currently hopeful Saka will be available ahead of the World Cup.

The Mail add that reports now claim Saka could even feature against Chelsea on Sunday.

But that’s not a certainty at this stage. Saka has had some precautionary tests to rule out any serious issues, and he won’t be ruled fit for selection until the results come back.

Mikel Arteta didn’t seem to think it was anything too serious after the game, saying: “It was a bad kick. I don’t see any further than that. He was kicked a few times and it wasn’t helpful.

As for whether Saka might miss the World Cup, Arteta said: “Hopefully not…let’s see how he is in the next couple of days.”

England’s 26-man squad doesn’t have to be officially confirmed until November 13th, so Gareth Southgate will likely hold off to see how Saka and his other injured stars recover over the next week or so.

For Arsenal’s sake, we obviously hope Saka has long proved his fitness by then.