ARTETA WORRIED OVER SAKA’S INJURY AFTER ARSENAL’S 2-2 DRAW WITH BAYERN

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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concern over the severity of Bukayo Saka’s injury following the Gunners’ thrilling 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Saka, who is Arsenal’s joint top scorer this season alongside Victor Gyokeres, was forced off early in the match after falling to the ground while clutching his thigh. He was subsequently replaced by Eberechi Eze.

Eze opened the scoring for Arsenal, while Declan Rice struck late to secure a draw for last season’s runners-up. Bayern had earlier taken the lead through an Alphonso Davies goal and a penalty converted by Harry Kane.

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Speaking after the match, Arteta said the full extent of Saka’s injury was yet to be determined, although the club’s medical team had expressed concern.

“They are a bit concerned about Saka. When a player has to come off with sharp pain, it is never good news. We have to wait and see,” Arteta said.

The Spanish manager acknowledged the physical demands of elite European football, noting that the intensity required at the highest level could sometimes result in injuries.

“The level of intensity this game requires as well is something incredible. You could see it last night, the PSG-Barcelona game.

“The level that you need, it’s unbelievable. It’s the highest level and those things happen, unfortunately,” he added.

Arteta further admitted that Saka’s condition appeared worrying but stressed that the club would have to await further medical assessments.

“He doesn’t look good at all, but we’ll have to wait and see,” he said.

Despite the injury concern, Arteta praised his players for their performance against Bayern, describing the encounter as one of the highest levels of football his team had played.

“Bayern batter every team, so I really value what the boys did tonight,” he said.

“That’s one of the highest levels we have played… The level of opposition and our level as well. It was two teams that wanted to attack and play.”

Meanwhile, Rice expressed delight at scoring Arsenal’s late equaliser, explaining that the team had to remain disciplined against Bayern’s man-to-man pressing system.

“I’m so happy. When you play against teams like Bayern that are man-to-man all over the pitch, you have to apply certain principles,” Rice told TNT.

“I just kept running, lost my marker and I was in on goal to score.”