Mikel Arteta has downplayed concerns over a possible injury to Bukayo Saka following Arsenal’s victory at Ipswich.
Saka was caught on the back of his Achilles by a tackle from Leif Davis just after the 30-minute mark. Davis received a red card for the challenge, but Saka continued playing until he was substituted a little over ten minutes into the second half.
While the winger was seen with ice on his Achilles and limping toward the team bus after the match, Arteta offered a reassuring update, which is a relief with Arsenal set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final next Tuesday.
“The referee made a clear decision,” Arteta said. “[Saka] felt a bit sore, but it’s nothing serious, so that’s good news.”
“I haven’t seen the slow-motion replay, only the regular-speed footage, and from that, it’s clear he was tackled from behind.
I don’t believe there was any intent to harm, but it’s a dangerous challenge because Saka couldn’t see it coming and had no chance to react.
When asked if he was initially concerned, Arteta said: ‘Yes, especially given how thin our squad is right now. Challenges like that, when the player has his back to goal and his foot is planted, are risky because all your weight is on that leg and you can’t adjust in time. But thankfully, he’s okay.'”