Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka injury concerns intensified after the England international was forced off early in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League, with manager Mikel Arteta admitting the situation did not look promising.
Saka was forced off in the 10th minute after he was hotly challenged on the right flank, and was clearly unhappy. The 25-year-old held on to his left thigh as Arteta called for a substitution, and Eberechi Eze came off the bench instead, to give the match a goal at half-time.
The Arsenal player withdrew and headed straight down the tunnel, adding to the worry level. After the game, Arteta confirmed Saka had picked up a quadriceps injury and admitted the club had been concerned about his injury.
Arteta said that, “They’re kind of worried.” If a player is having to leave with a “really sharp pain,” it’s never good news, but one has to wait and see.” The Arsenal manager again gave a dismal appraisal at his news conference, and added, “It doesn’t look good.”
It may have been a worrying sign for Arsenal, as Saka had suffered injuries earlier. This is the latest injury to be suffered by the winger, who suffered from hamstring and Achilles problems last season, as the club gears up for its European campaign.
But Arsenal bounced back after they lost one of their most influential attackers early in the game. Substitute Eze struck first to score a volley off Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer in his first turn on, and the score could not have been more perfect. Bayern came up with a reply through Alphonso Davies as Harry Kane scored a penalty for the Germans to equalise. It was then that Arsenal’s points were levelled again, courtesy of Declan Rice.
