Bukayo Saka is a major injury doubt and could be replaced by Gabriel Martinelli in the lineup when Arsenal take on Manchester United in the Premier League.

Arsenal will be looking to break into the top four of the Premier League with a victory when they lock horns with eternal rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Leading up to this crucial fixture, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is sweating over the fitness of star man Bukayo Saka, who picked up an injury against Newcastle United over the weekend. Apart from the England international, both Granit Xhaka and Sead Kolasinac remain unavailable for selection for the Gunners.

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Providing an update on the situation in his pre-match presser, Arteta said: “Granit is still not ready, Kolasinac is still not ready, we have a doubt with Bukayo.” Speaking particularly of Saa’s condition, he added: “I am hopeful but we don’t know. Obviously it’s a really short turnaround and the player has to be comfortable playing with a little injury, so let’s see how he is in training.”

Arsenal are unlikely to make many changes to the side that comfortably defeated Newcastle over the weekend. Aaron Ramsdale, who has been an absolute revelation between the goalposts, is a certain starter for the north Londoners at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

The entire defensive line of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and Nuno Tavares is also expected to remain intact, meaning Kieran Tierney is set to miss out once again.

Albert Sambi Lokonga was one of Arsenal’s top performers in the weekend win and should feature again from the kickoff. He will pair up alongside Thomas Partey in the middle of the park in Arteta’s 4-2-3-1 setup. Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard should retain his spot in the starting XI, slotting in as the No. 10 against Manchester United.

Saka’s injury is a major cause of worry for Arteta and Arsenal. The academy graduate is unlikely to be rushed back by the management, which should pave the way for Gabriel Martinelli to start on the right flank. The Brazilian scored after coming on as a sub against the Magpies and will be hoping to have a bigger impact on Thursday should he get a run-out.

Emile Smith Rowe is a nailed-on starter on the left-wing, while captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored on his last Premier League visit to Old Trafford, will spearhead the attack on Thursday night.

Arsenal Predicted XI: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares, Partey, Lokonga, Martinelli, Odegaard, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang. 

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