“According to the doctor he could only play again under two conditions…I’m feeling destabilised righnow”: Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta reveals what the doctor said about Bukayo Saka’s injury
There was a concerning moment involving Bukayo Saka as Arsenal took on Ipswich Town.
The England international jumped up in the air after Leif Davis left his studs in the back of his ankle, in what was a scary moment for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal fans ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against PSG.
Chris Kavanagh opted to send the Ipswich No.3 off for the gruesome challenge – which left the Arsenal No.7 needing treatment – and he was later replaced by Ethan Nwaneri in the 57th minute in order to let him rest.
As soon as Bukayo Saka took his place on the bench, Arsenal sprung into action.
Simon Murphy spotted treating Bukayo Saka
Simon Murphy – Medical Director of Physiotherapy at Arsenal – was caught on camera paying the Hale End graduate close attention after he left the Portman Road pitch.
Saka’s ankle and Achilles were immediately strapped with a generous amount of ice in an attempt to alleviate the problem, with only nine days between now and the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
Hopefully, that will be enough to ensure the 23-year-old recovers properly from this injury.
Ethan Nwaneri surely set to start against Crystal Palace
Before Arsenal – who want Xavi Simons – welcome PSG to the Emirates Stadium for a second time this season, the Gunners face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Needless to say, it would be incredibly risky of Arteta to start Saka in that match after his injury against Ipswich, so we would presume Nwaneri will be given his 11th Premier League start of the season when the Eagles come to N17.
Furthermore, it would be nothing less than the 18-year-old deserves after scoring against the Tractor Boys to make it 4-0, his ninth goal of the season in 33 appearances across all competitions.
Such a decision from Arteta would also ensure Nwaneri – who Theo Walcott admires – is match fit and ready to be called upon against PSG in case Saka does endure a setback with his ankle during that game.
Arsenal fans everywhere where holding their breath when Bukayo Saka went down under a nasty challenge from Ipswich’s Leif Davis, which saw him shown a straight red card, in the first half of their big win on Sunday.
Saka continued and was key in Arsenal’s 4-0 win at Ipswich and came off in the second half.
But TV cameras showed the Arsenal star with a bag of ice wrapped on his Achilles while he was sat on the bench.
Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports the following when asked about Bukayo Saka’s injury after the game.
“I didn’t see the tackle, it was quite fast. You have to watch it, it’s a good decision from the referee. He in a bit of pain but thankfully it doesn’t look anything too serious,” Arteta said.
