Arsenal were dealt a huge blow before their game against Leeds United when Bukayo Saka pulled up with an injury during warm-up.
The England international was named in the starting lineup on the right wing after getting a breather against Kairat in the Champions League midweek.
However, just minutes before the start of the game, Saka got hurt and had to limp off the pitch with the club’s physio.
Moments later, it was confirmed that the Arsenal number seven’s injury would keep him out of the game, and Noni Madueke replaced him on the right flank.
Fill in the blank: Berta must sign _________ in the January window following Saka’s injury…
Injury expert delivers verdict after Bukayo Saka misses Leeds vs Arsenal
Saka looked completely fine when he came out with his Arsenal teammates to warm up at Elland Road.
The Englishman got a well-deserved break midweek, and there was no real need for anyone to be worried about his workload.
However, during a game of rondo while warming up, Saka pulled up with what many, including Paul Merson, felt was a hamstring or groin injury.
That worried Arsenal fans because their number seven had suffered two hamstring injuries in the last year, one of which came earlier in the season.
After the game, Mikel Arteta called Saka’s injury a niggle but claimed that he had no idea if the issue would keep him out for an extended period.
Injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar claimed that it looks like a hip or an adductor injury rather than a hamstring problem for Saka. He also confirmed that the visual data aligns with Arteta’s verdict – that it is only a niggle.
Dr Brar tweeted: “Been asked about Saka. I thought it was left adductor/hip flexor based on where he might have been touching, but hard to say. Confident players have been told to not take any risks, which is the point of quality depth.
“All aligns with what Mikel said post-game about it being a niggle.”
True or false: Noni Madueke CAN step up and replace Bukayo Saka for the next few weeks…
It’s already clear what Arsenal must do with Bukayo Saka now
Saka is one of Arsenal’s most important players, and losing him would be a huge blow.
The 24-year-old’s injury has come at a bad time for the Gunners because their next game is the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea.
However, if there is even a one per cent risk that Saka could worsen his injury, Arsenal should leave him out of the side on Tuesday night.
The Gunners need their right winger in the business end of the season, which is why it makes no sense to risk him, even though it is a huge game.
Madueke proved that he can do a job in Saka’s place, so Arteta should trust him against Chelsea.
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