03 October 2023 , 21:48
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Mikel Arteta admitted that Bukayo Saka was "not comfortable" against Lens, leading to yet another injury exit.
The England winger was named in the starting line-up for the game against the French side but was taken off midway through the first period. It was the third game in succession that the academy graduate was hauled off after previous withdrawals against both Tottenham and Bournemouth.
Pinpointing exactly where the winger picked up the issue, Arteta admitted to TNT Sports: "It was an action. It was a backheel and he felt something specific. It was nothing else. Obviously, he wasn’t comfortable to continue."
Further probed how long Saka could be on the sidelines, Arteta simply shook his head in response. TV2 Sport also claimed that Arteta told their broadcaster that "it doesn't look good."
Any long-term absence for Saka would be a nightmare for Arteta and Arsenal. The Gunners take on last season's title rivals Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium at the weekend.
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There have been suggestions that Saka's early-season workload could be to blame, a theory that Arteta did not overly agree with. He did however concede that injuries were beginning to have an impact.
"I didn’t see that especially in the first-half, the way we were playing," Arteta added. "Obviously after we have to make changes. The change of Bukayo and the two wingers we are missing who give us a lot of threat and it’s different with other qualities we have in the squad.
Mikel Arteta was frustrated with his side's performance against Lens (Getty Images)How much of a miss will Bukayo Saka be? Share your thoughts in the comments below
"We learn from it. We weren’t able to get the result that we want but we will take a lot of things from it and there."
The Arsenal boss was also asked if he held any regrets over playing Saka particularly after his previous problems. Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said: "No. There was a knock that he had the other day and he was perfectly fine. It’s an action that can produce that kind of injury. Afterwards it’s too late."
Away from Saka's injury, there was also another impact to Arsenal's preparations. Their flight from the UK was delayed due to a severe storm but Arteta believes that it did not give his side any excuse.
"There’s no point having excuses. We knew it was going to be a tough match. We were in total control and then one isolated situation we conceded," he concluded.
"Then we conceded 2-1. The difference between today and PSV is clear. We had four or five big chances and we put them away. Today we weren't good enough in the boxes."