Arteta gives Saka injury update after outrageous challenge on Arsenal star

After being forced off midway into Arsenal’s game against Crystal Palace, Bukayo Saka is now a doubt for the club’s next fixture.

Mikel Arteta said Bukayo Saka was ‘very sore’ on Monday night and claims the referee should’ve given James McArthur a straight red card for his foul on the youngster.

A wild kick from McArthur forced Saka off midway into Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. The forward initially tried to continue, but eventually succumbed to the injury. Therefore, Albert Sambi Lokonga came on in his place.

Much to Arteta’s frustration, however, the referee, Mike Dean, only gave McArthur a yellow card. The Palace midfielder continued to help his side claim a point, while Saka helplessly watched on from the sidelines.

Saka had to be subbed off after this kick by James McArthur.

Only a yellow 😳 pic.twitter.com/N2kevUuwYN

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 18, 2021

“We had to take him off because he could not continue,” Arteta told Sky Sports about Saka’s injury.

“He was very sore in the area. When I look at the action, I cannot understand how the player can continue to play.”

Asked if the referee should’ve sent McArthur off, the Gunners boss replied: “Absolutely.”

Despite Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s early opener, Christian Benteke and Odsonne Edouard scored to hand a Patrick Vieira-led Palace a 2-1 lead. However, Alexandre Lacazette rescued a point for Arsenal by scoring an equalizer in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

The Gunners will next face Aston Villa on Friday at the Emirates, but will Saka be available?

“We’ll see how it evolves [the injury],” Arteta added in his pre-match press conference.

“He could not continue and he’s a boy that is pretty tough and wants to keep playing, but he could not carry on. We have a quick turnaround after the next game so we will see how it evolves.”