Mikel Arteta admits Bukayo Saka was facing a race against time to be involved for Arsenal's win over Manchester United.
The winger scored his team's second from the spot - his second penalty success this week - as they saw off the Red Devils 3-1 to continue their push for the top four. Tottenham dropped points at Brentford which means the Gunners again occupy the final Champions League spot.
Saka has been crucial for the Gunners this term as he continues to grow in stature at the Emirates. His loss would be a major blow and Arteta conceded his young star was not the only player whose involvement was in doubt as he also sweated on the fitness of several others.
He told BT Sport after the win on Saturday: "We had four or five [players] with difficulties to make the team before. He [Saka] was one, [Benjamin] White was one, Granit had an eye issue, Eddie [Nketiah] hasn’t played many minutes. The boys are doing everything they can to be on the field and I feel lucky."
On Saka specifically he added: "Bukayo was struggling even to start the match, but he really wanted to do it. He had a big knock the other night and at one stage today he was struggling so we’ll see how he is."
Arsenal's next game is against London rivals West Ham on May 1 whilst they also need to take on Leeds, Tottenham, Newcastle and Everton, whom they host on the final day of the season. Saka will be a key figure in the season's final weeks, especially with a north London derby to come.
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The clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could prove crucial in deciding who finishes fourth. Arteta said on the clash: "It could be a crucial game. Let’s see what happens before that, where both teams are, but of course, that head-to-head game is going to be really, really important."
Saka scored in the 3-1 win over Tottenham back in September and said on social media: "Enjoy your weekend my Gunners!" Arteta has refused to get drawn on whether his side will secure a return to the Champions League, insisting there will still be plenty of twists and turns.
He said: "This changes so quickly, but my belief is that we’re going to give it a real go, we can win football matches, but the margins are very small and we have to be very aware of that. Winning and losing in this league and where we are today, is defined by the small margins."
