15/09/2024
Arsenal have been handed a significant injury concern after Bukayo Saka limped off during the North London derby. With the Gunners leading 1-0, Saka went down in the 85th minute, appearing to hold both legs before receiving medical attention.
Although he managed to get back on his feet after about two minutes, Saka was forced to leave the pitch, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri coming on as his replacement. From the bench, Saka watched as Arsenal held on to secure a crucial win, but his potential injury cast a shadow over what was otherwise a great day for Mikel Arteta's side.
In the post-match press conference, Arteta admitted uncertainty about the severity of Saka’s issue. "I don’t know," he said. "I made two changes with the forward players, and then suddenly he was down. I’m not sure exactly what it is, but he couldn’t continue."
Saka appeared visibly upset as he left the field, holding his head in his hands. However, he managed to walk over to acknowledge the traveling Arsenal fans and celebrated with his teammates at the final whistle.
Before his injury, Saka had been instrumental once again. It was his corner in the 64th minute that Gabriel Magalhaes headed in for the match's decisive goal. This assist extended Saka's streak, making him the first Arsenal player to provide assists in four consecutive Premier League games. He also holds the record for being directly involved in more goals against Tottenham (six) than any other opponent he's faced.
However, Saka’s latest knock will fuel further concerns about his workload. After making 47 appearances for Arsenal in the 2022/23 season, he also played in all of England’s matches at Euro 2024 before returning to club duty.
Arsenal were already without Declan Rice, who was suspended, and injured captain Martin Odegaard. Summer signings Ricardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino also remain out, with Merino yet to feature for his new club due to a training injury after his move from Real Sociedad.
Picture Credit: Onefootball