Mikel Arteta has fiercely responded to claims that Bukayo Saka was not injured when he withdrew from England duty, offering to "send an MRI" to anyone doubting the validity of Arsenal’s statements.

Saka, who the Gunners confirmed was struggling with a groin issue sustained during the 1-1 draw at Chelsea before the international break, scored a sensational goal and provided an assist as Arsenal thrashed Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

After securing the visitors’ first away defeat of the Premier League season, Arteta defended his star player, insisting that he was willing to provide proof that the 23-year-old winger had indeed been injured.

The Spanish manager stated: "Well, we can send an MRI scan; it's very simple. That’s a communication that was very clear between the medical staff of Arsenal and England.

"He hasn't done anything. He was away and needed time to heal. He's done one training session."

Following a stellar performance from midfield maestro Martin Ødegaard, Arteta also praised the Norwegian, commenting: "Without this kind of player in the team, it was always quiet.

"It doesn't surprise me because I see him every day. When he's in the team, you can sense that something is different. It's difficult to put a finger on it.

"There was something different 48 hours before the game too. We had 19 players training and it was so competitive."

Reflecting on the exceptional chemistry between Saka and Ødegaard, Arteta added: "That’s chemistry—sometimes you meet somebody, and straight away you make eye contact, and something flows. That’s the case with those two.

"That’s what's happened; it happens off the field, it happens on the field, and with many others as well. That’s something in football that’s very difficult to define.

"But when you put them together in the right spaces, things flourish, and things happen naturally. With others, you try to force it, and it doesn't work. With these two, we are very lucky to have them."