Mikel Arteta confirms "pretty bad" injury worry as Arsenal face double blow
What appeared the perfect day in the Premier League for Mikel Arteta has left the Arsenal boss anxious over the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners took full advantage of Manchester City being beaten at Wolves by sweeping aside Bournemouth, winning 4-0 at the Vitality Stadium. And the three points were capped by a second half penalty by Kai Havertz, with the Germany international finally breaking his duck following his £68million move from Chelsea in the summer.
Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Ben White also struck, but it was opening goalscorer Saka who endured a mixed afternoon. He left the field late in the second half seemingly struggling after picking up a knock.
In his post-match press conference, Arteta didn't try and play down Saka's injury, conceding: “It was a pretty bad knock. I don’t know how he’s feeling now, I haven’t had chance to speak to him. But hopefully we can get him back.”
And it's not the Spaniard's only injury concern as he contemplates a critical few weeks. Jesus, who missed the start of this campaign with an ongoing knee problem, seemingly had a recurrence.
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After being asked why the Brazilian was holding his knee at the final whistle, Arteta responded: “I don’t know. Obviously he was limping and he was a bit uncomfortable, but again we’ll have to wait and see.”
Bukayo Saka celebrates opening the scoring against Bournemouth - but then picked up a knock (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Can Arsenal challenge for the title without Bukayo Saka? Comment below.
Jesus missed four months of the 2022/23 season after undergoing surgery following the World Cup in Qatar. He returned for the title run-in but the issue again flared up the summer - and the latest development will prompt concerns he's not yet over the problem.
The uncertainty over both his players comes at the worst possible time for Arteta. His side go to Lens in the Champions League on Tuesday, before a huge home clash with Man City next Sunday ahead of the international break.
The win took his side to within just one point of City. It also maintained unbeaten start to the season for Arsenal following their title heartbreak last season. Arteta added: "The way we approached the game since yesterday, we knew the team was ready to play.
"We had a big challenge. They (Bournemouth) don’t give you any time. We read the game very well and earned the right to win it."
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