Saka sidelined for weeks as Arteta delivers double Arsenal fitness boost

Saka was forced off during Arsenal's 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich last month and has subsequently been left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming international fixtures.

"We're talking about obviously weeks, let's say after the international break," Arteta said on Friday.

"He's going to start hitting the pitch and start to have more activity and see how he feels, but unfortunately he's going to be out for a while."

There was better news concerning Konsa, who was substituted during Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague but is fit for the Hull encounter.

Saliba is also closing in on a return after being included in the squad for the first time this season in Prague. The France international, who has been recovering from a back injury, did not feature in the match.

France coach Zinedine Zidane could consider calling up Saliba, with Arteta making it clear that Arsenal would not interfere with the decision.

"They have all the information. Now it's about them, about Zinedine in this case, to give the call," Arteta said.

"We will accept whatever it is. It's more between them because William needs minutes as well."

Arteta also acknowledged Saliba's enthusiasm for representing his country, adding: "I know how much he loves to be around the national team. It's a new manager, a really exciting one as well, so whatever he's decided is fine for us."

Meanwhile, Arsenal will have five representatives in Tuchel's England squad, with Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and Konsa all selected.

Arteta believes having a strong English presence in the national team reflects the club's identity.

"It is a proud thing to have a big English core in the national team," he said.

"Our club, it is something that is part of our identity. They are super happy to be back, you can see that."

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