Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he hopes Bukayo Saka will be fit for the World Cup after he went off injured against Nottingham Forest.
Saka assisted the first goal of the game as the Gunners battered Forest 5-0 in the Premier League.
He was visibly struggling after picking up a knock and was substituted after receiving treatment for a second time.
His replacement, Reiss Nelson, had himself a terrific afternoon, netting twice and assisting Thomas Partey, who scored another belter.
On his performance and the win, Nelson said: “It was amazing you know, we had a bit of a slow start after the goal but everyone got into the game and it was great to play in.
“Couldn’t have got gone much better than that for me after coming on. Delighted with the goals and the assist. I have been training for my chance and I got it and tried my best to take it.
“I thought I was just going to sit on the bench but you never know what happens in football. Probably one of the best days and I’m delighted for it.
“When B [Bukayo Saka] went down, it was a terrible sight to see but when I came on I loved every minute of it.
“The gaffer wants us to implement an attacking style of play and that’s what we did.
“It’s a great bunch of lads and I have been here since I was 8. I have always dreamed of being part of a great Arsenal team. This is a great team.
“Of course, it [Saka’s injury] is a huge shame for Arsenal and the nation and we will go and check now and see how he is. He’s a great boy and it’s great to have him in the team.
“We are just trying to do well for the gaffer and the team. We’re top now and it’s nice, hopefully we can go all the way.”
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After Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring he held up Pablo Mari’s shirt as the Arsenal players dedicated the goal to the on-loan Monza defender, who was stabbed in Milan on Thursday.
“We found out after the game [against PSV], it was really bad and unfortunate and some of the lads wished him well on the phone.
“He is a great guy and we wish him well in his recovery.
“We all said in the group chat when we heard the news that we would hold up Mari’s shirt and hopefully he will see the gesture and know that he is still very much a part of the group.”
Gunners manager Arteta says it was a “tricky afternoon” despite it looking anything but.
“I’m really happy,” he told the BBC.…
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