Arsenal fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief as manager Mikel Arteta provided an injury update on star player Bukayo Saka. The forward, who sustained a muscle injury during Arsenal's
recent Champions League match against Lens, is now "in contention" to face Premier League champions Manchester City this Sunday.
Saka's injury forced him to leave the pitch in the 34th minute of the Lens match, a concerning sight for both Arsenal and England fans, as he was also named in the England squad for an upcoming friendly against Australia and a Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.
Arsenal's manager Arteta, speaking about Saka's condition, acknowledged that having to substitute him was "never good news." However, he expressed optimism about the player's potential return, saying, "He is in contention; we'll see how he progresses from here to Sunday." The decision of whether Saka will feature in the crucial clash against Manchester City will depend on his recovery over the next few days.
Bukayo Saka's significance to Arsenal cannot be overstated. The 22-year-old forward has been a consistent presence in the club's lineup, boasting a remarkable record of playing in each of Arsenal's last 87 Premier League matches. This streak is a club-record, highlighting his importance to the team.
In addition to Arteta's update on Saka's condition, the manager revealed that he has been in communication with England manager Gareth Southgate regarding the player's situation. Arteta emphasized that he understands his role in providing information to Southgate but stressed that the ultimate decision regarding Saka's participation in international duty rests with the England manager. He stated, "He [Southgate] needs to make the best decision for the national team. I'm not going to get involved there."
Saka's potential availability for the upcoming match against Manchester City is significant for Arsenal, as they face the daunting task of taking on the reigning Premier League champions. His versatility and attacking prowess make him a key asset in Arteta's squad, capable of influencing the outcome of any match.
As Arsenal fans eagerly await further updates on Saka's recovery, Arteta's announcement provides a glimmer of hope that the talented forward may be fit to play a crucial role in their upcoming clash with Manchester City. The final decision, however, will hinge on Saka's progress over the coming days, and supporters will be hoping for positive news ahead of the high-stakes encounter. Photo by Tasnim News Agency, Wikimedia commons.