Mikel Arteta provides fitness update on Bukayo Saka after star limps off during Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid

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Arsenal shocked Champions League holders Real Madrid with a stunning 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal fans marvelled at Declan Rice after the midfielder produced two outrageous strikes to become the first player in Champions League history to score more than one free kick in a knockout game.

Mikel Merino continued his fine form with a superb finish past Thibaut Courtois to put Mikel Arteta’s side firmly in the driving seat ahead of the return leg at the Bernabeu.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were excellent as they destroyed the Real Madrid full backs all night long but there were some concerns over the fitness of Saka as he limped off injured before the end of the game.

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Mikel Arteta provides fitness update on Bukayo Saka

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video’s post match coverage of Arsenal’s victory over Real Madrid, Arteta gave an update on the fitness of Saka.

Arteta stated: “He is fine, I think it was a kick in the free kick action.”

The positive news will be a huge relief to everyone involved with the club following the Hale End star’s lengthy absence with hamstring surgery.

Saka’s impact upon his return was there for all to see during the tie as he teased David Alaba with his ability to take the defender on down the outside and also cutting inside with his trickery.

Saka played a part in Declan Rice’s free kick

Also speaking on Amazon Prime video’s post match coverage, Rice paid tribute to the role Saka had in scoring his free kicks.

Rice explained that Nicolas Jover wanted the ball to be crossed but the angle was not right for the action and Saka helped convince Rice to shoot.

Rice stated: “It didn’t make sense from that angle to cross the ball, because they had a high line and to chip that, it had to be such a delicate pass and I just saw where the wall was and I just went for it.”

Arsenal will be wary of the threat that Madrid still pose in the second leg, especially after Kylian Mbappe broke through the defence in the first half and should have opened the scoring.

However, a dream evening for the Gunners and Arteta will now be masterminding a plan on how to nullify the Madrid threat in the second leg and secure a semi final place.