BUKAYO SAKA is aiming to be back fit in time for this month’s North London derby.
The Arsenal winger suffered a muscular injury, believed to be around his hip, in the warm-up before the Gunners beat Leeds 4-0 last Saturday.
Saka is now set for a spell on the sidelines and will miss tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea.
The injury is not serious, however, and the hope is Saka will be fit when Arsenal host rivals Tottenham on February 22.
The England star is hungry to get back as soon as possible – and could even beat that deadline if his rehab goes well.
Arsenal have a kind schedule before the Spurs game as they are not involved in the Champions League play-off rounds this month.
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After Chelsea tonight, Mikel Arteta’s side host Sunderland in the Prem on Saturday before travelling to Brentford next Thursday.
Arsenal will then welcome Wigan to the Emirates on the Sunday after that in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Saka is aiming to be back in action the following week, when the Gunners travel to Wolves midweek and host Tottenham on Sunday.
Noni Madueke will be the man charged with stepping up in the absence of Saka.
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The winger impressed at Leeds last weekend when he was drafted into the team just before kick-off.
Madueke assisted the opening goal and then scored the second direct from a corner.
Gabriel Martinelli replaced him in the second half and is also an option on the right wing.
Max Dowman is another that could replace Saka and he is closing in on a return to action.
Dowman has been out since December with an ankle injury but is progressing well.
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