Mikel Arteta insisted that Bukayo Saka’s recent thigh injury was real, telling a reporter that the club can show his MRI scan, after the Arsenal star pulled out of England’s Nations League squad two weeks ago.

Saka was pivotal in the Gunners’ inspiring 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, scoring once and providing an assist to Thomas Partey for their second goal.

The 23-year-old has now logged four goals and eight assists in 11 Premier League games this season – only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has more goal contributions (14).

Saka was substituted in the 81st minute during Arsenal’s final game against Chelsea before the recent international break.

It is still only November but the winger has already missed more games this season for club and country (nine) than he has done in three other campaigns in his career.

Saka has a reputation for being physically robust – he has been one of the top 10 most fouled players in the Premier League for the last three seasons, yet has only missed five games for Arsenal in this time.

Mikel Arteta insisted that Bukayo Saka’s recent leg injury was genuine after being questioned

The 23-year-old scored and provided an assist in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest