Arsenal are sweating over Bukayo Saka’s health following his harm within the 2-1 defeat at Lens which may have Manchester Metropolis licking their lips.
The Gunners winger was risked for the Champions League Group B tie in France, however lasted simply 34 minutes as he went off with what gave the impression to be a thigh pressure.
6
6
6
Boss Mikel Arteta has incurred the wrath of followers on social media for beginning the 22-year-old, who hobbled off within the membership’s final two Premier League video games in opposition to Tottenham and Bournemouth.
And after going off for a 3rd straight match, there are actually critical doubts as as to if he might be match to face the table-toppers on the Emirates on Sunday.
Even Arteta is uncertain whether or not he might be accessible to characteristic in what’s the standout top-flight match thus far this time period.
Chatting with TNT Sports activities after the match, Arteta confirmed that Saka was unable to proceed after pulling up injured.
He stated: “It was an motion. It was a again heel and he felt one thing on this particular motion. It was nothing else.
“And clearly he wasn’t comfy to proceed.”
Pressed as as to if Saka has picked up a critical knock, Arteta merely shook his head to point he has no concept.
Although talking to Norwegian reporter Arilas Ould-Saada, the ex-Everton midfielder supplied a extra worrying replace for followers.
6
6
He merely said: “It would not look good.”
However what could also be much more as a priority for Arteta is how simply his facet have been exploited down their left-hand facet.
Elye Wahi’s 69th minute for Lens got here via that facet, as Oleksandr Zinchenko was uncovered, main the ball to be performed into the field.
And there was an unmarked Wahi who tucked house his strike past the outstretched arms of David Raya into the underside left nook.
It was an space that Lens focused all through the match, they usually have been unlucky to not rating extra with Zinchenko usually leaving open house as he floated across the pitch.
Talking on talkSPORT commentary, Sam Matterface believes Metropolis boss Pep Guardiola might be seeking to expose that frailty for Arsenal.
Previous to Wahi’s aim, he stated: “When you’re Pep Guardiola and also you’re watching this, you are pondering, ‘I do know what space of the pitch I will be focusing on on Sunday afternoon’.
“It will be that right-hand facet, the Arsenal left, the place Zinchenko persistently vacates the left full-back place.
6
“And in transition, he might be having a subject day.”
Following Lens’ eventual winner, ex-West Ham striker Dean Ashton remarked: “It is that Arsenal left-hand facet, time and time once more, Lens have been in that place.
“Once they’ve gained the ball again, it is only a easy one-two, [Przemyslaw] Frankowski simply performs it in round Zinchenko, who’s on his heels, and what a end from Wahi.”
Ought to Arteta resolve to combine it up at left-back, he may begin Takehiro Tomiyasu over Zinchenko.
However ought to he be with out Saka, he may doubtlessly must shake up his complete frontline.
Metropolis could have Rodri lacking via suspension, however it is going to be very a lot benefit Metropolis if Saka fails to play his 88th consecutive top-flight match.
talkSPORT soccer match centre
Sustain-to-date with all the most recent Arsenal fixtures and outcomes and reside Premier League standings in our new match centre.
