Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have suffered a huge blow in Bukayo Saka. The wide forward already had injury concerns before their Champions League game against RC Lens, and Arteta’s woes deepened when Saka sustained an injury while attempting a back-heel last night.
Bukayo Saka had to walk off the pitch in 35th minute and the impact was seen straightaway as Arsenal suffered a 2-1 defeat against Lens. Saka was absolutely brilliant for the 35 minutes that he was on the pitch where he helped Arsenal gain the lead with an assist to Gabriel Jesus in the 15th minute of the game.
Arsenal did concede the equaliser in the 25th minute when Saka was around but without their starboy they lacked the required quality and thus a knack for pushing for goals. The Gunners were tested brutally by Lens who were seen bursting through spaces to score a winner which they did eventually just a few minutes before the whistle.
Speaking about Saka’s injury, Arteta revealed: “It was an action. It was a backheel and he felt something on this specific action. He was too uncomfortable to continue.”
“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.”
The timing of Saka’s injury could not come at a worse time. As Arsenal face Manchester City this weekend, they had their chance of leading the table with a win against the treble winners but with Arsenal’s prodigy absent this weekend, even a draw looks uncertain.
