Mikel Arteta has revealed that Bukayo Saka suffered an injury while attempting a backheel in Arsenal’s defeat to Lens on Tuesday.
The wide forward had been a doubt for the UEFA Champions League game at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis after hobbling off during the win over Bournemouth at the weekend. Despite fitness concerns, Saka started the game on Tuesday evening, and even got the assist for Gabriel Jesus’ opening goal of the game.
The Gunners were then pegged back by a quite brilliant Adrien Thomasson goal in the 25th minute before things went from bad to worse in the 35th minute when Saka was forced off with an injury – holding his hamstring while walking off the pitch.
Without their ‘starboy’, Arsenal severely lacked a creative spark and ultimately lost the game 2-1 thanks to a stunning first-time strike from wonderkid Elye Wahi in the second half.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the defeat, manager Arteta discussed Saka’s injury and revealed how the ailment occurred:
“It was an action. It was a backheel and he felt something on this specific action. He was too uncomfortable to continue.”
The injury comes at a devastating time for Arsenal as they are set to face Premier League title rivals Manchester City at the weekend. Gunners fans will be holding out hope that Saka can recover in time for the clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, however when asked if the club know how serious the England international’s injury is, Arteta simply shook his head.
The manager also took the time to compliment Lens for their performance on Tuesday night, and also admitted that his team didn’t defend well enough during the game:
“They are a really good side, exceptional opponent. We took the lead and then in one action they managed to score. We had a big chance straight after the break.
“In many occasions we attacked the space – but it was [decided] in the boxes. We missed some big chances and didn’t defend well enough for their goals.
“Mistakes happen in football and they will continue to be there somehow but the difference was made in both boxes. You have to put the ball in the back of the net and defend well. It was a big night for us. We weren’t able to take the result we wanted but we were able to learn.”
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