Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed an update on Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice’s injury blow during the UCL win over Real Madrid, MySportDab reports.
Saka was forced off the pitch in the second half with an apparent ankle problem during Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
After cutting into his left from the right wing, and daring to dribble through a body of Real Madrid players close to the box, he collided against his opponents and crashed down, picking a knock.
Despite the blow, he endured and continued play for a few minutes but had to be later subbed off for Leandro Trossard.
Confirming the injury situation after the match, Mikel Arteta said it wasn’t a serious blow for Saka but he affirmed it was a knock.
“Bukayo after he got tackled from the foul, he had a knock. It doesn’t look serious,” he said as Fabrizio Romano quotes.
Notably, Arteta’s optimism was affirmed when Saka was spotted walking fine and celebrating with his teammates after the match.
Two thunderous free-kicks by Declan Rice and a goal from Mikel Merino saw the Gunners breeze past Real Madrid with a 3-0 victory to boost their chances of qualifying for the last four.
The Gunners will travel to Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg on Wednesday with Arteta hopeful of having Saka back in the game.
The deadly winger recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff due to a hamstring blow with the UCL tie against Los Blancos being his first start.
Arsenal also sweat with another injury scare during the match. Man of the match winner Declan Rice was also sub off a few minutes after Saka’s substitution due to injury.
However, he was spotted walking fine as well after the match with Arteta confirming he picked a knock but will be fine as well and hopefully return to action in the second leg.
