“We are pretty worried” - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides update on Bukayo Saka’s injury in 5-1 win over Crystal Palace
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update on Bukayo Saka following their clash against Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The match ended in a 5-1 win for the Gunners on November 21, at Selhurst Park.
Arsenal opened their scoring with Gabriel Jesus' goal through an assist by Gabriel Magalhães just six minutes into the clash. Ismaïla Sarr netted the equalizer for Crystal Palace from an assist by Tyrick Mitchell in the 11th minute. Bukayo Saka went down, sitting on the pitch, and seemed to be in need of medical assistance. The Englishman limped off the pitch and was replaced by Leandro Trossard in the 24th minute.
Jesus doubled the score for the visitors after being set up by Thomas Partey following a corner in the 15th minute. Kai Havertz netted the next goal with a right-footed shot from close range in the 38th minute. Gabriel Martinelli registered the fourth goal for the Gunners from an assist by Declan Rice in the 60th minute.
Rice netted the last goal of the match after being assisted by Riccardo Calafiori in the 84th minute.
Following Arsenal's massive win in their 17th Premier League clash of the season, Saka was spotted leaving the stadium on crutches. Right after the final whistle, Arteta addressed the 23-year-old's injury and told TNT Sports (via The Metro):
"I don't know but he had to come off. It’s not good news, obviously. We will have to assess him and wait and see."
While speaking in the post-match conference, Mikel Arteta expressed great concern over Bukayo Saka's injury and said (via @FabrizioRomano on X):
"We are pretty worried about Saka’s injury. He grabbed his hamstring and couldn’t continue. He will have to be assessed but we are pretty worried, yes."
Prior to this, Saka sustained a leg injury in October, which kept him out of the pitch for 39 days, and led him to miss nine injuries for club and country.
Bukayo Saka has registered nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances across competitions for Arsenal this season. With his contribution and form in the ongoing campaign, Arteta and Co. will be hoping for a swift return of the club graduate.
Bukayo Saka opened up about his desire to win trophies with Arsenal this season
Bukayo Saka recently expressed his desire to win titles with Arsenal this season. The Gunners have ended up second twice in the Premier League behind Manchester City for the last two campaigns. The right-winger was also out of luck in the Euro 2024, with England being runners-up while Spain lifted the trophy.
While speaking to The BBC, Saka mentioned that even though it is not a good feeling to lose after getting so close, it pushes him further to win trophies with Arsenal this season. The Englishman said (via The Metro):
"It's horrible man, I'll be honest. Finishing runners-up in two European finals for England and runners-up twice in the Premier League with Arsenal. It is that extra fuel for me, that extra motivation for me. I definitely want to get it over the line this season and try and lift a trophy for sure.
"We are not scared to say we want to win. We feel we are ready to compete for a trophy. This season we really want to take the next step and win something," added Saka.
Arsenal are currently third on the Premier League table with 33 points in 17 matches. With 21 more league fixtures left for the season, it remains to be seen if Bukayo Saka gets to lift a trophy for the Gunners.