Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Bukayo Saka after Nottingham Forest win
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered hope to Gunners and England fans after Bukayo Saka suffered a hobbling injury in the first half of Sunday's win over Nottingham Forest. The Three Lions winger went down twice before admitting defeat, raising concerns the knock could impact his chances of competing at the World Cup next month.
Saka tormented Forest left-back Renan Lodi early in the game and took a few kicks in the process. The 21-year-old played a crucial role in the opener as his cross was headed in by Gabriel Martinelli to launch a dominating display at home.
But another challenge from Lodi saw Saka collapse on the grass and eventually get injured. His replacement, Reiss Nelson, had a superb afternoon, registering two goals and an assist to help the Gunners to a resounding 5-0 victory.
Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard also got on the scoresheet to propel Arsenal to the top of the table following Manchester City's win over Leicester on Saturday. After the final whistle, thoughts quickly turned to replacing Saka.
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When asked if it could prevent him from participating in the World Cup, Arteta told reporters: "I hope not. It was a bad kick that he suffered as soon as the start of the game, he was limping a bit.
"But I don't see anything more than that." Asked about the nature of the injury and its impact on Saka's ankle, leg or foot, the Spaniard continued: "I would say everything. He was kicked several times."
READ MOREArsenal can finally land winger signing by beating Man Utd in £25m cut-price dealMan Utd have told PSV 'will now accept' £25m for Cody Gakpo after the Erik ten Hag transfer talksDiego Costa showed the first Premier League red card after a whim on Ben Mee
"All his team-mates and the staff are so happy for him," Arteta said after the game. "He is a child who changes, evolves and matures. He shows how much he wants it and today he had the opportunity to come and help us win the game."
The Gunners still have four games to cram before domestic action comes to a halt for the World Cup. On Thursday they host FC Zurich in the Europa League before a daunting trip to face Chelsea next weekend.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered hope to Gunners and England fans after Bukayo Saka suffered a hobbling injury in the first half of Sunday's win over Nottingham Forest. The Three Lions winger went down twice before admitting defeat, raising concerns the knock could impact his chances of competing at the World Cup next month.
Saka tormented Forest left-back Renan Lodi early in the game and took a few kicks in the process. The 21-year-old played a crucial role in the opener as his cross was headed in by Gabriel Martinelli to launch a dominating display at home.
But another challenge from Lodi saw Saka collapse on the grass and eventually get injured. His replacement, Reiss Nelson, had a superb afternoon, registering two goals and an assist to help the Gunners to a resounding 5-0 victory.
Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard also got on the scoresheet to propel Arsenal to the top of the table following Manchester City's win over Leicester on Saturday. After the final whistle, thoughts quickly turned to replacing Saka.
RIGHT NOW:
When asked if it could prevent him from participating in the World Cup, Arteta told reporters: "I hope not. It was a bad kick that he suffered as soon as the start of the game, he was limping a bit.
"But I don't see anything more than that." Asked about the nature of the injury and its impact on Saka's ankle, leg or foot, the Spaniard continued: "I would say everything. He was kicked several times."
READ MOREArsenal can finally land winger signing by beating Man Utd in £25m cut-price dealMan Utd have told PSV 'will now accept' £25m for Cody Gakpo after the Erik ten Hag transfer talksDiego Costa showed the first Premier League red card after a whim on Ben Mee
"All his team-mates and the staff are so happy for him," Arteta said after the game. "He is a child who changes, evolves and matures. He shows how much he wants it and today he had the opportunity to come and help us win the game."
The Gunners still have four games to cram before domestic action comes to a halt for the World Cup. On Thursday they host FC Zurich in the Europa League before a daunting trip to face Chelsea next weekend.
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