Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Bukayo Saka’s fitness status following a dangerous tackle that forced him off during Sunday’s victory over Ipswich Town.
Saka was substituted just before the hour mark, having struggled to recover from a rough first-half challenge by Ipswich defender Leif Davis, who was shown a straight red card for the offense.
He was later seen with ice strapped to his ankle while sitting on the bench and appeared to be limping as he boarded the team coach, raising fear among most Arsenal fans regarding another potential spell on the sidelines.
However, Arteta has since provided a positive update about the England star, revealing that he did not suffer any serious damage despite being forced off in the second half.
“He cuts him from the back. I don’t think it’s intentional at all but obviously it’s dangerous because he cannot really react to anything because you cannot see him coming,” Arteta said.
“The referee made a decision, that is clear,” the boss added, referencing Davis being shown a red card over the incident, which paved the way for Arsenal to eventually double their 2-0 lead.
“He was a bit sore but it’s nothing serious, so that’s good.
“I do [worry], especially with the numbers we have right now and especially when [tackles] are with your back to goal because normally it’s the moment when the foot is planted, your weight is there and you cannot really react to it, but he’s fine.”
Arsenal fans will certainly be delighted by this update as Saka, who has arguably been the Gunners’ best player in recent years, will be available for their Champions League semi-final games against Paris Saint-Germain.
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