Arsenal are optimistic that Bukayo Saka will be fit to face Chelsea next weekend, despite his withdrawal from international duty.

Bukayo Saka missed Arsenal’s win over Manchester City last weekend with an injury, after some initial reports suggested there was hope that he might make it back in time for the fixture.

The reality turned out to be quite different, with Saka unfit both to make the squad against City and also unavailable to link up with England over the international break.

The FA called Saka up for further assessment anyway, but they eventually concluded that Arsenal were telling the truth about the 22-year-old.

The question now is whether Saka will be back in time to play against Chelsea, in Arsenal’s first game after the break.

The Evening Standard report that Arsenal had mapped out a plan to get Saka ready for the Chelsea game, and he’s bidding to feature in the contest.

The training plan involved rehab sessions earlier this week, followed by taking the weekend off. The Gunners can then assess whether Saka can return to the squad next week.

Both Arsenal and Saka are reportedly optimistic that he’ll make it back in time.

There are no guarantees just yet, and it’s getting difficult to trust the reports around Saka’s fitness. But the messages coming out of Arsenal appear to be positive right now.