Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has shed light on the condition of star player Bukayo Saka as the Gunners prepare for a high-stakes showdown against Manchester City. Saka’s recent injury scare during the Champions League match against Lens has raised concerns among Arsenal fans and cast doubt on his availability for the upcoming match.
Arsenal faced a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Lens, and one of the major talking points of the game was the early exit of Bukayo Saka due to injury. Arteta addressed this concern during a press conference, defending his decision to include Saka in the lineup and providing an update on the young winger’s condition.
Arteta began by acknowledging that Saka has been a key figure for Arsenal and emphasized the importance of managing his workload effectively. He stated, “He hasn’t really missed games. We gave him a break against Brentford (in the Carabao Cup) last week and that was all.”
The decision to rest Saka in the Carabao Cup clash was aimed at preserving his fitness for critical fixtures like the upcoming duel against Manchester City. However, despite these precautions, Saka experienced a setback during the Lens match.
Arteta went on to explain the specific incident that led to Saka’s injury. He revealed, “He tried to backheel a ball in the first half and felt something muscular. He felt uncomfortable to carry on, so we had to take him off.”
The manager’s comments provide insight into the nature of Saka’s injury, suggesting that it may be related to a muscular issue. While the extent of the injury remains undisclosed, Arteta’s decision to substitute Saka indicates that it was severe enough to warrant caution.
Arteta has provided an update on Saka’s injury following his side’s Champions League defeat to RC Lens. Speaking to TNT Sports, the Spaniard said: “It wasn’t an action, it was a back heel and he felt something and he wasn’t comfortable to continue.”
When asked if he knew how severe the issue was, Arteta simply shook his head. If Saka is out, it will be a huge blow to the Gunners ahead of what is undoubtedly their biggest Premier League game of the season. Arteta also spoke to TV Sport 2 where his diagnosis of Saka’s injury was far more worrying.
The Gunners manager said: “It doesn’t look good.”
Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City is a highly anticipated fixture, and Saka’s potential absence could be a significant blow to the Gunners. The young winger has been a standout performer for the team and has played a crucial role in their attacking lineup.
As the match approaches, Arsenal’s medical team will undoubtedly be working diligently to assess and treat Saka’s injury. The decision on his availability for the game will be a pivotal one for Arteta and the club, as they look to secure a positive result against the formidable Manchester City side.
Fans of both teams will be eagerly awaiting further updates on Bukayo Saka’s condition in the days leading up to the match. The outcome of these assessments will not only impact the lineup for the encounter but also have implications for the dynamics and strategies employed by both Arsenal and Manchester City.
The clash between these two Premier League giants promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and the presence or absence of key players like Saka can significantly influence the outcome. Arsenal supporters will be hoping for a positive injury update that allows their star winger to feature prominently in the contest, while Manchester City will be preparing for any scenario as they aim to secure victory on their opponent’s turf.
