Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has allayed fears over Bukayo Saka’s fitness following the forward’s early substitution during their 4-0 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday.
The 23-year-old England international, who is of Nigerian heritage, was involved in a heavy challenge by Ipswich’s Leif Davis in the first half, prompting concerns that he had sustained a fresh injury.
The tackle, which led to a straight red card for Davis, temporarily halted play as Saka received medical attention before continuing briefly.
He was later withdrawn in the 57th minute as a precaution.
Saka had only recently returned to action after a lengthy three-month layoff with a hamstring injury picked up in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace earlier in the season.
Given his importance to the team’s title ambitions, the incident raised alarms among supporters. However, Arteta moved swiftly to calm nerves, indicating there was no major cause for concern.
“He was sore because of the tackle, but it doesn’t look anything serious,” the Arsenal manager told BBC’s Match of the Day after the match.
Arteta also addressed the challenge further during his post-match press conference: “I haven’t seen the slow-motion, I’ve just seen the normal pace image and yeah, he cuts him from the back.
“I don’t think it’s intentional at all, but it’s dangerous because he cannot really react to anything, because you cannot see him coming.”
The match itself saw Arsenal dominate from start to finish, capitalising on their numerical advantage after Davis’ dismissal.
Leandro Trossard netted a brace, while Gabriel Martinelli and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri added a goal each to complete the comprehensive win.
