Mikel Arteta makes concerning Bukayo Saka admission after Arsenal star's injury scare
Bukayo Saka was seen being strapped heavily with ice after being subbed off during Arsenal's dominant win over Ipswich, with Mikel Arteta now issuing an update on his star attacker
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Bukayo Saka has not suffered a serious injury after the winger was spotted being strapped heavily with ice during Arsenal's win at Ipswich Town. Saka starred in Sunday's hammering as Leandro Trossard scored twice to secure a 4-0 triumph at Portman Road.
But Saka was also the victim of a nasty challenge from Leif Davis, which saw the Ipswich defender sent off. Davis stamped on the back of Saka's Achilles, though the England international was able to continue following treatment.
He remained on the pitch until the 57th minute, with Arteta choosing to replace him with Ethan Nwaneri. Once Saka was sat down, an Arsenal physio was seen strapping his Achilles' heavily with ice.
That sparked concern among Arsenal fans, with the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against PSG just nine days away. Arteta has moved to calm those concerns though, even as he admitted he is worried for his star attacker.
He said: "I didn't see the tackle, it was quite far from the bench. But after watching it, it's a good decision from the referee and he's in a bit of pain but thankfully it doesn't look too serious.
READ MORE: Roy Keane pulls no punches with Arsenal red card verdict - 'Unacceptable'READ MORE: Premier League issue explanation on red card after horror tackle in Arsenal vs Ipswich"The referee has made a decision. It's a bit sore but nothing serious. I do [worry], especially with the numbers we feel right now. When the foot is planted and you cannot really react to it."
Arteta was pleased to see his side deliver a professional performance to easily dispatch Ipswich as they build up to their clash with PSG. He praised his players for adapting themselves to different positions, with Leandro Trossard starting up-front as Mikel Merino was shifted to central midfield.
"Really happy with the performance, one of the best 35 minutes we have played this season. When they got that red card, the context of the game changed. A very positive afternoon," Arteta added.
"We have to somehow put 11 players out on the field, and make five or seven changes. We have to adapt and put players in positions and situations that can be very difficult to control for the opposition."
Trossard put the visitors ahead just 14 minutes in when he poked past Alex Palmer following good work from Saka. The winger also played a pivotal role in Arsenal's second goal, which came just before the half-hour mark.
He whipped in a low cross, with Mikel Merino brilliantly backheeling it into the path of Gabriel Martinelli who smashed the ball home. Ipswich's faint hopes of mounting a comeback were dashed four minutes after Martinelli's goal with Davis' red.
Arsenal continued to dominate in the second-half, with Trossard netting his second of the afternoon following a neat corner move. The scoring was wrapped up with three minutes remaining when Dara O'Shea deflected Ethan Nwaneri's shot beyond keeper Palmer.
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