Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted he is “very concerned” about the injury suffered by Bukayo Saka during Saturday's 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Talisman Striker it took less than 25 minutes before being forced off during Arsenal's trip to Selhurst Park. The Gunners had already scored twice, with Gabriel Jesus breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute after collecting Saka's headed cross at the back post.
Arteta's side scored three more times in the absence of the winger to solidify the third place, but the Spanish coach was more concerned about the health of his player after the match.
“He felt something in his navel, he couldn't go on.” Arts is explained. “He's going to have to be evaluated. (I'm) pretty concerned about that.”
Saka appeared to suffer his latest muscle injury after colliding with him palace left guard Tyrick Mitchell. The defender struggled to block his cut-back on Martin Odegaard, leaving the Arsenal star crumpled in a heap on the pitch.
Arteta, who has built a reputation for playing injury-related mind gameswas unable to give a timeline for Saka's recovery so soon after the final whistle. “It's hard,” he shrugged. “They've tested it, but it's very hard to say how bad it is.”
The sight of Saka writhing on the ground is nothing new. However, the 23-year-old is rarely forced off the pitch. No. player in Arsenal's Premier League history has ever amassed more consecutive appearances than the consistent winger. Saka has played just four top-flight games in the last three-and-a-half years.
However, this is the third time The English representative has suffered an injury to his right thigh this season. “I'm not sure if it's exactly the same, it's the same leg,” Arteta mused. “I don't know how big that will be, but he's already had two.”