Arteta: Saka injury 'does not look good' – how will Arsenal cope without their star?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said the quadriceps injury suffered by winger Bukayo Saka in the Champions League draw at Bayern Munich looks serious. The London club have several alternatives, though his absence will be felt.
Arsenal, the London side who play in England's Premier League, drew 2-2 away to Germany's Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Europe's top club competition, but the early talking point was an injury to their star winger Bukayo Saka. Manager Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports the quadriceps problem "does not look good at all".
The 25-year-old went down in the 10th minute at the Allianz Arena while trying to play a pass, with no opponent nearby. He was replaced by Eberechi Eze, who later scored the opening goal. Arteta said the club were somewhat concerned, as a player leaving the pitch with sharp pain is rarely good news, but they must wait and see.
A difficult fitness record
Saka has had fitness issues in recent months. An Achilles injury picked up in March cost him the international break and seven Arsenal games, yet he returned to help the club win the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. He made 49 appearances last season, and Arsenal's win percentage is notably better with him in the side.
How Arsenal can replace him
After Saka went off, Arsenal played on the front foot and had more possession than Bayern. Declan Rice scored a late equaliser. Noni Madueke switched to the right wing and looked bright, while Eze scored from the left. Arteta praised Eze's performance both with and without the ball. Summer signing Christos Tzolis is currently out with a hamstring injury, and 16-year-old Max Dowman is another attacking option.
Pundit Nedum Onuoha said the team should not struggle heavily, although they will miss Saka's star power. This season Saka has scored four goals in 11 appearances in all competitions.
