Arsenal are set to return to Premier League action on Saturday, facing off against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium (12.30pm kick-off). However, they are likely to be without star winger Bukayo Saka, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
The 24 year old sustained the injury during Arsenal's 5-0 victory over Leeds United, which led to him missing the match against Liverpool and being unable to participate in England's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. Initially, there were concerns that this could mirror his near-four month absence last season, but thankfully for Arsenal, the prognosis suggests a matter of weeks rather than months.
The upcoming clash with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 21 September (4.30pm kick-off) has been suggested as a potential return date, although this will depend on his recovery progress. As Saka continues his rehabilitation, both Arsenal and the player himself have reminded fans of his game-changing abilities.
The Gunners announced via their social media channels that Saka's goal against Leeds was voted the club's goal of the month for August, a strike that saw him beat the Leeds goalkeeper from the right-hand side of the box, sending the ball high into the net.
In celebration of the announcement, Arsenal posted a replay of the goal on their Instagram channels. Saka also shared the post announcing his goal as goal of the month, along with the replay, on his personal Instagram story.
Despite being sidelined due to injury last season, Saka still managed to net 11 goals and provide an additional 14 assists in 33 matches across all competitions. He will be aiming to surpass these numbers this season.
If he manages to do so, it could significantly bolster Arsenal's chances of wresting the title from Liverpool at the end of the season. Arsenal finished second to Arne Slot's side last season, the third time in a row they have finished as runners up.