Arsenal’s comfortable win at Leeds came with a concern, after Bukayo Saka was withdrawn in the warm-up. He will undergo tests on Sunday.
Bukayo Saka was a late withdrawal before Arsenal’s emphatic 4-0 win away to Leeds United after picking up a problem during the warm-up, prompting an immediate change from Mikel Arteta.
Saka was initially named to start at Elland Road but was replaced shortly before kick-off by Noni Madueke, who went on to play a decisive role in what was an impressive performance.
The issue is reported to relate to Saka’s left hip, though the club are awaiting further assessment.
Speaking after the match, Arteta explained the decision to withdraw his winger was taken quickly once the problem became clear. “In the warm-up he had a little niggle so we made the decision. We made the change to bring Noni in, you cannot do that in two minutes. So very impressive.”
Arteta confirmed that Saka will now undergo tests to determine the extent of the issue. Asked separately by Sky Sports, he said, “[Saka] had a little niggle and he wasn’t comfortable to start the game so we made a decision straight away and now we are going to have to do some tests tomorrow and see how he is.”
While the performance that followed underlined Arsenal’s depth, with Madueke stepping in seamlessly, the focus now turns to Saka’s availability as the club await the results of those tests.