Arsenal have been dealt a major injury concern after Bukayo Saka limped off the pitch during the first half of their Champions League match against Lens on Tuesday night. The 22-year-old winger was forced off after just 34 minutes, going straight down the tunnel, with the scoreline at 1-1.
Saka has been managing fitness issues over the past two weeks but was deemed fit enough to start against Bournemouth at the weekend, where he scored the opening goal in a 4-0 win. However, he was substituted after suffering a knock while blocking a shot, which manager Mikel Arteta described as a 'pretty bad knock'.
The England international trained on Monday and Arteta had said he was 'fine' and 'much better', but Tuesday's setback raises fresh doubts over his availability for Sunday's Premier League clash against title rivals Manchester City at the Emirates. Saka has been a key player for Arsenal this season, contributing five goals and four assists in nine appearances across all competitions.
If Saka is unable to face City, Arteta faces a selection headache, with Gabriel Martinelli already sidelined due to injury. Potential replacements include Fabio Vieira, Eddie Nketiah or Reiss Nelson. Saka's absence would be a significant blow, especially as Arsenal look to avenge last season's defeats to City, having lost both league encounters.
The injury appeared to be muscular rather than from a collision, as Saka went down with no opponent near him. He has made 87 consecutive Premier League appearances, and it remains uncertain whether he will be fit to extend that run to 88 against City.
