Mikel Arteta delivers Bukayo Saka injury update after Arsenal star limps off in win over Nottingham Forest
Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, has downplayed injury concerns regarding Bukayo Saka and does not believe his World Cup chances would be jeopardized.
Saka made the assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s opening goal in the fourth minute of Sunday’s 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, but Renan Lodi’s hefty attack on the winger required medical attention.
The 21-year-old returned shortly thereafter, but sat down again in agony 10 minutes later.
Reiss Nelson was brought in for his first Premier League appearance of the season, while Saka quickly exited the field into the tunnel.
Arsenal and England must now wait anxiously to ascertain the severity of Saka’s injury. The Three Lions begin their official World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21.
Arteta stated after the game that his young player received a “tough kick,” but he did not initially fear the injury was serious.
“Hopefully not [the World Cup in doubt],” Arteta told a press conference.
“It was a bad kick, he was limping but I don’t see it further than that. Both foot and ankle, he got kicked a few times.”
Nelson, who replaced Saka in the opening half-hour, went on to have a magnificent afternoon at the Emirates, scoring twice and giving an assist as Arsenal cruised to a thrilling victory.
“Of course, it is a huge shame for Arsenal and the nation and we will go and check now and see how he is,” Nelson said.
“He’s a great boy and it’s great to have him in the team.”
Arsenal will play four more matches before the World Cup break, hosting FC Zurich in the Europa League on Thursday and Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Gunners will host Brighton in the third round of the EFL Cup on November 9 before traveling to Wolves on November 12.
Recently, Arteta dismissed worries regarding Saka’s playing time, stating that he would have no problem with the academy graduate appearing in 70 games this season.
“Look at the top players in the world, they play 70 matches, every three days and make the difference and win the game,” Arteta said after the 1-0 win over PSV earlier this month.
“You want to be at the top, you have to be able to do that. And if we start to put something different in the mind of a young player, I think we are making a huge mistake because then [he would] be like ‘no, I don’t play now, on astroturf I don’t play.
“I don’t want that. I want them to be ruthless every three days. I want them knocking on my door (saying) ‘I want to play, I want to win the game.”
Mikel Arteta delivers Bukayo Saka injury update after Arsenal star limps off in win over Nottingham Forest
