Bukayo Saka injury BOOST as Arsenal tell England medics that the early signs are positive after he limped off with an ankle problem against Nottingham Forest… but there is still some apprehension until test results are through

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England have received encouraging news on Bukayo Saka’s ankle injury amid easing concern the Arsenal forward could miss the World Cup.

Saka dealt Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate a major scare on Sunday after limping off in the 27th minute of the Gunners’ 5-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest.

England team medics were in touch with their Arsenal counterparts on Monday to check on the extent of Saka’s injury and were told that the early signs were positive.

Arsenal's medical team have further assessed Bukayo Saka's injury sustained on Sunday

Gareth Southgate will be hoping that Saka will be fit in time for England's World Cup campaign

Saka has undergone precautionary tests meaning there remains some apprehension behind the scenes.

Indeed, there was a similar positivity surrounding Chelsea right-back Reece James’ ankle injury last month, but scans showed that the ailment was far more serious than first feared. 

James is now facing a huge uphill battle to be available for the tournament.

The Arsenal No. 7 was forced off the pitch despite trying to play through the injury at Emirates

Mikel Arteta played down the extent of the injury when asked by press after the match

But unless scans uncover some unexpected damage, then the FA are hopeful the 21-year-old will be available for selection ahead of the World Cup.

The news will come as a huge boost to Gareth Southgate, who views Saka as a vital member of his squad.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will be breathing a sigh of relief too, with Arsenal still to play four matches before players depart for the World Cup.

The incident occurred in the 15th minute at The Emirates, as Renan Lodi seemed to catch the 21-year-old on the ankle, before he fell awkwardly to the floor on his right knee.

Southgate will be relieved Saka's name isn't added to a long-list of England injury concerns

Saka seemed to be in some discomfort and tried to continue playing, but was eventually forced off and replaced by Reiss Nelson. 

Southgate already has a handful of injuries to deal with - namely James, Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips - and losing Saka on top would've been a massive blow.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will be grateful not to lose the winger who's contributed four goals and five assists in his 12 Premier League outings this year.

Even after the game, Arteta reassured fans that he believed Saka would still be fit for the World Cup despite being forced off in the match.

The Arsenal wide-man could feature for the Gunners as soon as Sunday's game with Chelsea

When asked if Saka was a World Cup doubt after the match, the Arsenal manager replied: 'Hopefully not.

'It was a bad kick. Right from the beginning he was limping, but I don't see any further than that. Let's see how he is in the next couple of days.'

Saka will definitely not feature in Arsenal's Europa League game against Zurich on Thursday but could feature against Chelsea on Sunday.