Hilarious Declan Rice and Gabriel photo at Arsenal training provides Saka hint

Mikel Arteta, grilled about a man instrumental to any potential success this season, did his best to calm Arsenal fans’ nerves. "He's fine, he trained normally today,” Arteta said about Bukayo Saka, a player who has played more games under the Spaniard than anyone else. “There's nothing to report. Every player has pains or issues. But (there is) nothing to worry about."

There were concerns when Gareth Southgate left the 21-year-old out of England’s starting line-up against Scotland on Tuesday. With the game all but done at 3-1, the Three Lions boss brought Saka - named England men's Player of the Year for the second consecutive season last week - on with 19 minutes left to ease those fears slightly.

Reports have suggested that the winger is struggling with an Achilles problem that troubled him at the back end of last season. Without wanting to evoke disappointment or despair, the painful capitulation which allowed Manchester City to secure a third straight Premier League title aligned with Saka’s form nosediving. When he fell off, so did Arsenal.

Just two of Saka’s 14 top-flight goals came in the final 10 games as the Gunners allowed an eight-point lead to slip away. In layman’s terms, a flare-up of the same Achilles problem would be a huge blow to Arsenal’s title hopes.

But a training photo released by the club appears to vindicate Arteta’s press conference comments. Saka, almost half the stamp of Declan Rice and Gabriel, can be seen carrying the duo on his back ahead of this weekend’s clash with Everton. A few Arsenal fans joked how the picture can represent Saka carrying the team on many occasions throughout Arteta's reign.

Hardly the signs of a player struggling with an Achilles problem? Gooners can take solace in the notion that Arteta likely telling the truth and not being cunning or deceptive like most managers do. His early season form, with two goals and an assist so far, would indicate that Saka is doing just fine.