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Football London
Football London
Sport
George Smith

Arsenal confirm huge injury boost for Mikel Arteta ahead of West Ham United clash

Winger Bukayo Saka is fit and available for selection for Arsenal's London derby with West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon, the club has announced.

Saka, who has been named in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Three Lions' triple header over the upcoming international break, missed Thursday evening's 1-0 defeat to Olympiacos in the UEFA Europa League because of a hamstring problem.

Although the issue was not deemed to be too serious, Saka was not risked by Gunners manager Mikel Arteta.

However, the winger, who has been the club's star performer this season, is set to make his return against David Moyes' high-flying Hammers.

Arsenal have confirmed that Saka has "responded well to treatment," meaning he has been able to train ahead of the Gunners' short hop across the capital on Sunday.

The news of Saka being available will be a massive boost to Arteta and the Arsenal supporters as they go in search of a second successive Premier League win, following on from last Sunday's North London Derby triumph over Tottenham Hotspur.

Saka has been a mainstay in Arteta's team this season, racking up 34 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with six goals.

While Saka is poised to make his return against the Hammers, Arsenal face an anxious wait over the fitness of fellow winger Willian, who has found form in recent matches.

Like Saka, Willian missed the clash with Olympiacos and is poised to be assessed ahead of the trip to the London Stadium, as he continues to recover from a tight calf problem.

Should Willian miss out, Arteta has no shortage of cover in the wide areas, with Nicolas Pepe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabriel Martinelli and Saka all capable of playing in that role.

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