Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the quadriceps injury Bukayo Saka picked up in the 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern Munich "does not look good at all". The 25-year-old winger went down in the 10th minute at Allianz Arena while attempting a pass with nobody around him, and was replaced by Eberechi Eze, who went on to score the opening goal.
"They are a bit concerned. A player who has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news but we have to wait and see," Arteta told TNT Sports. Saka has already had a difficult season, with his game time managed at the end of last season and at the World Cup because of an Achilles injury picked up in March. He still returned to help Arsenal lift the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, making 49 appearances in the process.
Despite losing Saka early, Arsenal produced a good performance and could have won late on after Declan Rice's equaliser. Pundit Nedum Onuoha called Saka's withdrawal the only negative, but said the Gunners' squad depth should cope. Noni Madueke switched to the right wing and looked bright, while Eze scored from the left after coming off the bench.
Saka, who has scored four goals in 11 appearances in all competitions, will be hard to replace. Arsenal have invested heavily in their squad over the past two summer transfer windows, and Madueke can play on both wings. Arteta praised Eze's commitment without the ball, saying the reserves contributed well in Saka's absence.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing