Fears over injured Bukayo Saka
BUKAYO SAKA was forced off through injury during the first half of the Gunners’ Premier League game against Nottingham Forest, with the World Cup less than a month away.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was forced off through injury against Nottingham Forest, in news which will worry England manager Gareth Southgate.
The youngster was on the receiving end of some heavy challenges early on and was seen moving gingerly after making a burst into the Forest area. He received treatment before continuing. However, shortly before the hour mark, he went down once more and the Gunners decided he could not continue.
Arsenal and England will both be waiting nervously for further news on the number seven, who had earlier set up Gabriel Martinelli’s opening goal. England begin their World Cup campaign in less than a month, with matches against Iran, the United States and Wales on the horizon.
Saka has been a key figure for Arsenal this season, leading by example as Mikel Arteta’s team have battled with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. He has also played a considerable number of minutes in the league and in Europe, with the London side progressing in the Europa League.
Reiss Nelson emerged from the bench to replace his team-mate shortly before the halfhour mark. Arsenal were already without another of their options in a wide attacking role, with Emile Smith Rowe having been ruled out until after the World Cup.
Saka had appeared to feel pain in his left leg early in the first period, limping after a chase down the right flank in an effort to set up another chance for the hosts. He looked in discomfort while preparing to take a corner shortly after, and the Arsenal medical team treated him on the pitch before the eventual withdrawal.
Saka was one of the youngest members of Gareth Southgate’s squad at Euro 2020, and has remained in the international picture in the year since. The 21-year-old has four goals in 20 senior international appearances under Southgate, and made an impressive cameo against Germany in the recent Nations League draw.—