Lee Carsley has hinted that there’s hope Bukayo Saka will be fit to face Bournemouth next weekend, suggesting the winger could even have played on Sunday.

In a boost to Arsenal’s hopes of including Bukayo Saka in their matchday squad against Bournemouth next weekend, interim England boss Lee Carsley has confirmed that the player could even have been in contention for their game against Finland.

“Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him,” Carsley said.

“He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”

England confirmed on Saturday that Saka has withdrawn from international duty for the remainder of the October break, leaving the camp ahead of their trip to Finland.

The winger returned to Arsenal for further assessment, with Ryan Taylor reporting that the decision was taken in consultation with Arsenal’s medical staff.

Saka had suffered a hamstring injury during England’s first game of the break, coming off early in the second half.

The player could then be seen with a slight limp walking away from the game afterwards.