Published on 04.10.2023
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has expressed concerns about forward Bukayo Saka’s injury ahead of their upcoming Premier League match against Manchester City.
Saka had to leave the field while clutching his leg during Arsenal’s Champions League Group B fixture against Lens in France on Tuesday evening.
The 22-year-old was substituted in the 34th minute, with Fabio Vieira taking his place, after assisting in the opening goal of the match, scored by Gabriel Jesus. This made Saka the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to record five goals and five assists this season.
When questioned about the injury during an interview with Norway’s TV 2 Sport, Arteta expressed his concern by stating, “It doesn’t look good.”
Arteta added: “He tried to backheel a ball in the first half. He felt something. It was muscular. He was uncomfortable and we had to take him off.
“We don’t know anything more than that. It was big enough not to allow him to play the rest of the game and that is a worry for us.”
In response to inquiries regarding Saka’s availability for the City game, Arteta admitted, “I haven’t a clue. I don’t know.”
Saka has maintained an uninterrupted presence in Arsenal’s lineup, commencing in their past 87 consecutive Premier League matches. This remarkable club record has been intact since May 2021.
Although he had previously sustained a foot injury that necessitated his substitution in the later stages of the 4-0 league victory against Bournemouth on Saturday, he was considered fit to start in Tuesday night’s match.
