Arsenal’s comfortable win at Leeds came with a concern, after Bukayo Saka was withdrawn in the warm-up but thankfully it does not appear to be serious and he should be back later this month.
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.
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 would 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 with the club hopeful it is a small issue.
Speaking before Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, Arteta told reporters, “We have to wait. Today he was better, but we have to see how he responds and make a decision.
“It doesn’t look like something too serious, whether he’s available for tomorrow or the weekend we will see.”
He will not however, be playing any part in the match against Chelsea and the hope now is he will be back in time for the game against Spurs on 22 February.