Bukayo Saka: Arsenal boss Arteta discusses how their star boy picked up injury

It was a tough luck for Premier League sides last night in UEFA Champions League, as both Manchester United and Arsenal suffered shock defeats in the hands of Galatasaray and RC Lens, respectively. But, Arsenal would have been handed a rather painful injury to them as their star boy Bukayo Saka has picked up an injury while attempting a backheel.

Bukayo Saka gets injured

Arsenal has been one of the top teams since last season. They have been on the top of Premier League table for majority of last season, before agonizingly losing out to serial winners Manchester City, at business end of the season. They have managed to continue their unbeaten streak in the domestic circuit, as they have stayed undefeated in Premier League. Their success could be called responsible for several stars like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli among many others. Owing to the exploits of Saka and Odegaard, coupled with the strict vigil of former Arsenal legend Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have once again got the opportunity to experience European top flight, and had started off well against PSV Eindhoven, when they brushed aside the Dutch by 4-0.

Last night, they suffered a shock defeat in the hands of Ligue 1 surprisers RC Lens, who went on to defeat the Gunners, as they fell agonizingly short of a victory, thus losing 1-2 in the process. But, Arsenal might have to face a major uprising issue as they have lost their star boy Bukayo Saka, as the youngster has picked up an injury while attempting a backheel. In spite of hobbling off in victory against Bournemouth, Saka was a doubt in the starting line-up in France, but he was fielded by Arteta from the starting minutes, and he rewarded Arteta’s trust by providing assist to Gabriel Jesus’ first goal.

Matters turned worse in first half

Although Arsenal saw themselves leading within 24 minutes, their progress was impeded by a brilliant Adrien Thomasson goal, who had notched past Arsenal custodian to restore parity in the game. But, matters went out of hand for Arteta’s side when Saka was seen limping on the ground owing to his injury, thus forced to be sidelined with more than a hour left on the clock, clutching his hamstring. Without Saka, Arsenal seemed to have lost their magic touch, eventually losing out to Ligue 1 side RC Lens, owing to a wonderous strike from wonderkid Elye Wahi, who inflicted further pain for Arteta’s men.

Manager Arteta was later seen speaking to TNT Sports about Saka’s injury, as he said, “It was an action. It was a backheel and he felt something on this specific action. He was too uncomfortable to continue.” Meanwhile, Arsenal face league leaders Manchester City in the weekend, and is seemingly at distress owing to Saka’s injury. Every Gunners supporter would pray for a speedy recovery for their star boy as their fellow title contenders Manchester City would be coming all guns blazing at them over the weekend.

Arteta later praised their opponents as he complimented about RC Lens. He was heard saying, “They are a really good side, exceptional opponent. We took the lead and then in one action they managed to score. We had a big chance straight after the break. In many occasions we attacked the space – but it was [decided] in the boxes. We missed some big chances and didn’t defend well enough for their goals.”

He further mentioned about the little mistakes they committed which cost them the game, as he added, “Mistakes happen in football and they will continue to be there somehow but the difference was made in both boxes. You have to put the ball in the back of the net and defend well. It was a big night for us. We weren’t able to take the result we wanted but we were able to learn.”