BUKAYO SAKA was spotted without crutches at the Emirates – but Arsenal were still dealt with another injury blow.
The Gunners star has been out since late December and has missed the last five league matches.
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But there were positive signs before the Aston Villa clash as Saka was seen walking around before the game without crutches.
The England international is set to be out till at least March – and manager Mikel Arteta urged him to go on HOLIDAY.
Arteta said: “He needs to. He is obligated to go! With his girlfriend or his family, he can choose. Or on his own.
“But he needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He can still do a lot of things with his rehab because it is the perfect stage.
“I think it will make him really better. He has been [around the squad] every single day.
“There is a moment, especially when we are going to be away for a few days, that he needs to do that.
“That is very important for him as well. We need to look after our players.”
Arteta is also without centre-back William Saliba after he was seen holding his hamstring in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Tottenham in the week.
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The Gunners posted on social media: “William Saliba misses out with a minor issue.”
Jurrien Timber replaced Saliba to partner alongside Gabriel in defence.
Arsenal went into the game seven points adrift league leaders Liverpool – who beat Brentford late.
