Mikel Arteta has handed Arsenal a monumental boost by revealing star man Bukayo Saka has a 'chance' to be fit for the club's season-defining Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
The Gunners' talisman was forced off during the second half of Arsenal's commanding 3-0 Premier League victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium, immediately sparking fears of a serious setback.
However, speaking in his post-match press conference, the Spanish manager offered a significantly more optimistic prognosis, suggesting the substitution was more precautionary than anything.
Arteta's Positive Prognosis
"He had to come off," Arteta stated. "He was feeling something. He could not continue, so we had to take him off. We don't know anything more. It was a big knock, but hopefully, he will be OK."
When pressed specifically on Saka's availability for the titanic European tie against the German giants on Wednesday night, the manager responded with cautious hope: "There is a chance. We have to wait and see. It’s a big one. Obviously, he had to come off, so that is a worry for us."
A Sigh of Relief for Arsenal Faithful
Saka's potential absence would have been a devastating blow for the North London outfit. The 22-year-old is the creative heartbeat of the team, having already contributed an impressive 16 goals and 13 assists in the Premier League this season.
His presence on the right flank is considered indispensable for Arteta's tactical system, and his potential duel with Bayern's Alphonso Davies was one of the most anticipated individual battles of the quarter-final tie.
Arsenal's comprehensive win against Brighton, which also saw goals from Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard, keeps them firmly in the Premier League title race. But all eyes are now firmly fixed on the Emirates Stadium this Wednesday, with Saka's fitness poised to be the decisive factor.
