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Mikel Arteta reveals how Bukayo Saka picked up injury in Lens defeat.
Mikel Arteta has disclosed that Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka was injured while attempting a backheel against Lens on Tuesday.
The wide forward was a doubt for the UEFA Champions League match at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis after hobbling off during the weekend win over Bournemouth. Despite his fitness worries, Saka started the game on Tuesday evening and even assisted on Gabriel Jesus’ opening goal.
The Gunners were then pegged back by a magnificent Adrien Thomasson strike in the 25th minute, before Saka was forced off with an injury in the 35th minute, gripping his hamstring while going off the pitch.
Due to a fantastic first-time goal from wonderkid Elye Wahi in the second half, Arsenal ultimately lost the game 2-1 without their’starboy’ since they were badly lacking in creative flair.
Manager Arteta reviewed Saka’s injury with TNT Sports after the loss and explained how the condition developed:
“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.”