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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja
Arsenal Coach, Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka could feature in Wednesday’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace.
This possibility precedes the confirmation that the Arsenal winger’s injury is “nothing serious” or serious enough to hobble him.
Recall that Saka was seen limping after being substituted in the second half of Sunday’s 4-0 win at Ipswich following a first-half foul from Leif Davis that led to red-carding defender.
He was seen limping with an ice block strapped to his right ankle. To the joy of fans, post match footage showed a nonlimping Saka walking to the team’s bus.
There were concerns he could be in danger of missing next week’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
The fear may just be stillborn afterall because the coach has paint a glorious picture of the dazzler’s condition and declared that he could play tonight.
“It’s nothing serious. He was sore” Arteta said.
His statement is a relief ahead of the team’s Champions League Semi final first leg game against Paris Saint-German.
On Tuesday, the Arsenal Manager provided a fresh update as regards the player’s condition; “We have to wait to see how he (Saka) reacts after today’s session, I must reemphasize that it is not feeling too serious. If we want to play him, I think he will have a good chance to be available. When players are fit and they’re available and they want to play, they have to play ” he said.
Saka, who has been eased back after a harmstring injury, made his first premier league appearance since December against Ipswich on Sunday. The game was underway when he recieved a hefty red-card challenge from Leif Davis. The blow forced off the left winger after 57 minutes but, Arteta says he has a good chance to feature against Crystal Palace tonight. Good news for Arsenal fans.
The 23 year old may not feature wholesale. He is most likely to start from the bench as precautionary measure.
Arteta admitted that his “heart skipped a bit” when seeing Saka reacts to Davis’ challenge . He hailed his player’s resilience.
The gunners are are currently locked in a dicey title race and with such grim reality and European ambitions alive and kicking, the need for a Saka in his best elements cannot be overemphasized.