Here was something Arsenal sorely needed at the start of the all too lengthy absence of Bukayo Saka, something managers crave most of all at this stage of the season: an extended workout, a prolonged session of at least 45 minutes to start smoothing out the issues that cannot run for over two months.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka is likely to be sidelined until at least March following surgery on his hamstring.

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka is set to be sidelined for more than two months after an operation on a hamstring injury, manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday.