Saka Injury ‘Nothing Serious’, Arteta Confident Ahead of Crystal Palace Clash
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Mikel Arteta has reassured fans that Bukayo Saka’s injury is “nothing serious” and the Arsenal winger has a “good chance to play” in Wednesday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. The 21-year-old had limped off in the second half of Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Ipswich on Sunday, after being fouled by Leif Davis, which led to the defender’s red card.
Although Saka played on for a while after the incident, concerns were raised that the injury might jeopardize his participation in Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain next week. However, Arteta alleviated those fears, stating that Saka’s injury is not severe.
Arteta Offers Positive Update
“We have to wait and see how he reacts after the training session, but it’s nothing too serious,” Arteta said during a press briefing on Tuesday. “If we want to, I think he would have a good chance to play tomorrow.”
With little at stake in the Premier League — Arsenal are 13 points behind leaders Liverpool — Arteta stated that he would still field a full-strength team against Palace. Despite the Premier League title race effectively being out of reach, Arteta emphasized the importance of maintaining form and rhythm ahead of crucial fixtures.
Preparing for Champions League Glory
Arsenal’s upcoming clash against Palace will be their last league game before facing PSG in their first Champions League semi-final since 2009. The Gunners, who have not won Europe’s premier club competition, will be looking to secure their place in the final. Arteta highlighted the importance of the extra rest before the Champions League match but acknowledged the team’s ongoing injury concerns.
“We have more days, and the amount of options that we have is not that many,” Arteta added. “It’s good to have a little gap because we are really short in numbers.”
With Riccardo Calafiori still sidelined and Jorginho facing a few weeks out, Arteta is determined to make the most of the upcoming break. However, his focus remains on securing a positive result against Palace first.
Arteta’s Message to His Players
“We cannot think in those terms. When the players are fit and available and want to play, they have to play,” Arteta said, referencing his approach to selection. “They are at their best when they are playing and they have consistency in their performances.”
Arsenal’s win against Palace would help delay Liverpool’s potential title celebration if they manage to beat Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.
