‘He was uncomfortable’ – Arteta on Bukayo Saka’s substitution against Lens

Mikel Arteta has said that he is concerned about Bukayo Saka ahead of Arsenal’s match against Manchester City this weekend.

The winger was replaced in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to RC Lens, with Arteta claiming that a new problem was to blame.

Saka was forced off against Bournemouth on Saturday, but Arteta chose to reinstate him into the starting lineup in France. The 22-year-old only lasted a little more than 30 minutes before being taken off, and the sight of him limping down the tunnel will have fans worried ahead of City’s trip to the Emirates Stadium.

After the game, Arteta acknowledged that Saka was replaced due to discomfort after attempting a backheel, implying that the concern has to do with a different issue from one that the player has experienced recently.

“He felt something,” the Spaniard explained.

“It was muscular. He was uncomfortable and we had to take him off. We don’t know anything more than that. It was big enough not to allow him to play the rest of the game and that is a worry for us.”

Saka’s consistency separates him in the Arsenal team, with his appearance against Bournemouth making it 87 consecutive Premier League appearances. It remains to be seen whether he will be fit to play against the Sky Blues in time, with Gabriel Martinelli also at risk of missing out.