Mikel Arteta provides update on Bukayo Saka after another Arsenal injury blow


Mikel Arteta has given the latest on Bukayo Saka after he limped off with an injury during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Sheffield United.

The Gunners were able to pick up their first win in five matches with relative ease against the Premier League’s bottom side courtesy of a strike from Gabriel Martinelli and a brace from Alexandre Lacazette

Saka was heavily influential in the first half and was involved in the intricate build up that led to the Frenchman’s first on the day, but had to be taken off early after going down with what looked like a muscle injury.

And speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of the England international.


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“I don’t know, he had to come off. He had a discomfort in his thigh,” said the Spaniard when quizzed on the severity of the 19-year-old’s problem.

The news is potentially a huge blow to Arsenal ahead of their crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg against Slavia Prague on Thursday and Arteta lamented his side’s luck with injuries at this vital stage of the season.

“It’s the last thing that we need because we’re missing some big players at the moment and we don’t want to lose another one. So hopefully it’s not that serious,” he said.

Included among that list of important figures who are potentially missing for the Gunners are Kieran Tierney, David Luiz, Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe.

Arteta was able to provide updates on all four’s fitness ahead of the trip to Prague later this week.

“For Thursday David and Kieran will be out, Emile and Martin we don’t know yet,” he said.

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Both Smith Rowe and Odegaard are out with ankle problems, meaning Arsenal could be short in the number 10 position ahead of Thursday’s match.

Saka had been played in the role against Sheffield United and did well, but with his injury, Willian seems the most likely candidate to take over as creator in chief as the Gunners look to secure their spot in the Europa League semi finals.





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