Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed injury concerns about Bukayo Saka and believes his World Cup prospects will not be jeopardized.
Saka set up Gabriel Martinelli’s opener inside four minutes of Sunday’s 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest, but a heavy challenge from Renan Lodi sent the winger to the hospital.
The 21-year-old was back on shortly after but sat down again in discomfort 10 minutes later.
Reiss Nelson was introduced for his first Premier League appearance of the season, with Saka immediately leaving the field.
Knowing the full extent of Saka’s injury will put Arsenal and England in an anxious waiting period. On November 21, the Three Lions take on Iran in their first World Cup match.
After the game, Arteta admitted that his young star had received a “bad kick,” but he initially did not worry about anything more serious.
Hopefully, the World Cup is not in doubt, Arteta said during a press conference. He was limping after receiving a bad kick, but he didn’t see it coming. He was repeatedly kicked in the foot and ankle.
Nelson, who came on to replace Saka within 30 minutes, would go on to have an outstanding afternoon at the Emirates, scoring twice and dishing out an assist in the opening 15 minutes of the second half as Arsenal cruised to a thrilling victory.
Nelson stated that it is obviously a great loss for Arsenal and the country and that we will check on him right away to see how he is doing. He’s a great kid, and it’s great to have him on the team.
Before the World Cup break, Arsenal has four more games left to play, including a Thursday Europa League match against FC Zurich and a Sunday Premier League match against Chelsea.
The Gunners will host Brighton at the Emirates on November 9 for their EFL Cup third-round matchup before traveling to Wolves on November 12.
Saka is expected to play in 70 games this season, according to Arteta, who recently dismissed worries about the matter.
