Mikel Arteta provides update on Bukayo Saka's injury

Ahead of an important UEFA Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk, the Arsenal manager has given an update on Bukayo Saka's injury. The English footballer has been brilliant this season for the Gunners and they would want him to be fit for the clash. The UEFA Champions League clash between Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22. Saka has become a vital cog in Arsenal since making his senior team debut in 2019. In 236 appearances for the club, he has scored 61 goals and made 60 assists. Saka has continued his fine form this season, scoring three goals and making seven assists. 

Notably, the right winger picked a right-leg injury during England's 2-1 defeat over Greece on 10th October. He was forced to leave the pitch in the 51st minute and was, later, replaced by Chelsea star Noni Madueke. Saka was out with injury in the clash against Bournemouth, which they lost 2-0 on 19th October. Meanwhile, the Arsenal boss has stated that Saka and Odegaard are progressing well. He mentioned that the latter isn't fully fit to take the field but Saka might make his return for the Champions League clash. 

"[Saka and Odegaard] are closer. They are both progressing really well. Martin is still not fit. Let's see how Bukayo is after the training session later on."

Having said that, a report by The Telegraph also stated that both Saka and Odegaard weren't present in the training session on Monday. It remains to be seen if Saka makes a return in the Champions League clash. Currently, Arsenal is sitting at number 13 on the UEFA Champions League Table, amassing four points in two games. 

Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Head to Head records 

As far as the Champions League is concerned, the two teams have played four matches against each other in the tournament's history. The rivalry is evenly matched with both teams winning two games, each. Arsenal haven't lost a single game at home in their last seven matches in the UEFA Champions League. For Shakhtar Donetsk, it won't be easy to beat Arsenal at home. 

The Gunner suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season in their last game against Bournemouth on Saturday. The 2-0 defeat meant they stayed at third spot behind Liverpool and Manchester City. Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk are sitting at fourth in the Ukraine Premier League table with 19 points.