Despite acknowledging that it doesn’t seem ideal at the moment, Mikel Arteta has defended his choice to start Bukayo Saka vs Lens. Saka got injured in their Champions League loss to Lens. Gabriel Jesus had given the Gunners the lead, but Adrien Thomasson tied the score when David Raya slipped. Bukayo Saka eventually left the match with a limp and is a doubtful for Manchester City clash on Sunday.
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Elye Wahi’s goal in the second half gave Lens the advantage they needed to win 2-1. But Arteta was more worried about Bukayo Saka’s injury. In five days, the defending Premier League winners Manchester City will play at the Emirates Stadium. Saka’s participation is now in doubt due to the forward being forced off in the last three games.
Speaking to Norwegian journalist Arilas Ould-Saada after the game, Arteta said, ‘It doesn’t look good.’ Asked later if he regretted picking Bukayo Saka following his issues against both Tottenham and Bournemouth, Arteta replied, ‘No. It was a knock that he had the other day and he was perfectly fine. It was a backheel, an action that can produce that kind of injury.’
Arteta continued, ‘Let’s see what the extent of it is and afterwards it’s too late. The last few were more knocks than anything else. Bukayo Saka hasn’t really missed games. We gave him a break against Brentford (in the Carabao Cup) last week and that was all. 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.’
Arteta will be chuffed that Saka might be missing some important games coming up. He also said, ‘We don’t know anything more. It was big enough not to allow him to continue to play the game and that’s a worry for us. Bukayo Saka was really looking forward to playing like every player. It was a big Champions League night. I painted a picture and the type of scenario we were going to face today and they all knew about it.’
After poor weather on Monday kept Arteta and his players at Luton airport for five hours as their flight to France was delayed, the loss put an end to a forgettable 24 hours for Arsenal. Add to this Bukayo Saka’s injury as well. After a difficult night at a rocking Stade Bollaert-Delelis, their chances of avoiding a rocky ride in qualifying for the knockout rounds have now also suffered a setback.
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