Will Bukayo Saka be available for the Manchester City clash? Arteta gives update
October 4, 2023
Arsenal fans are in worry after their star player Bukayo Saka picked up an injury in the UEFA Champions League game last night in which they lost 2-1 to French side RC Lens. Mikel Arteta has now come out to give an update and whether he will be available for the mouthwatering EPL encounter against Manchester City.
Saka was replaced by Fabio Vieira in the first half. After the game, Arteta said that he wasn’t sure of the injury. However, it didn’t look good.
Furthermore, the Spaniard said that the 22 year old tried a backheel and felt something in his muscle. This was jus enough to substitute him as they didn’t want to wait for the worst.
“He tried to backheel a ball in the first half and he felt something. It’s something muscular”.
“He wasn’t able to carry on. We don’t know more, but it was big enough for us to remove him”.
This was the second game that Saka has been forced off the pitch following a knock he got in North London derby draw with Tottenham Hotspurs. The England international missed the Carabao Cup win against Brentford and was substituted in the 4-0 win against Bournemouth in the EPL.
Mikel Arteta was therefore expected to rest Saka going into this Champions League clash. The Gunners have already had their fair share of injuries this season.
Another key player, Gabriel Martinelli is out with an injury. And he’s a doubt for the top of the table clash with City. They will however be buoyed with the return of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey.