Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka’s ankle injury is “nothing serious” following Arsenal’s convincing 4-0 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town on Sunday.
The England international was on the receiving end of a high challenge from Leif Davis in the 32nd minute, which saw the Ipswich defender shown a straight red card.
Saka played on until early in the second half before being substituted and later seen with his ankle strapped.
Speaking after the match, Arteta reassured fans that the decision to remove Saka was purely precautionary, with a crucial Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain looming on 29 April.
“He was a bit sore, but it’s nothing serious, so that’s good news,” said Arteta.
“I haven’t seen the slow-motion replay, just the live footage, and yes, Davis clips him from behind. I don’t think it was intentional, but it was dangerous—Saka couldn’t see it coming.”
Arsenal have endured a season hampered by injuries to key players, including Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus.
Arteta admitted those concerns are always in the back of his mind.
“I do worry, especially with the limited squad depth we have at the moment,” he said.
“When a player’s back is to goal, it’s the worst time to be caught because the foot is planted and there’s no time to react. Thankfully, he’s okay.”
A Statement Performance Ahead of PSG Clash
Arteta was full of praise for his team’s performance, particularly their explosive start just days after their dramatic Champions League triumph over Real Madrid.
“I think the first 35 minutes were among the best we’ve played all season,” he said. “We scored two, but honestly, we could’ve had three or four. We controlled the game with high intensity and clear purpose.”
The red card changed the dynamic of the match, allowing Arsenal to manage the game and make tactical rotations.
Trossard added two goals, and Ethan Nwaneri capped things off with a late deflected strike.
With the PSG semi-final fast approaching, Arteta is carefully managing his squad.
Arsenal face Crystal Palace at home on Wednesday, but with no game at the weekend, there may be room for rotation.
“We need to put 11 out there with four or five changes if possible,” he said.
“The players want to keep playing—they enjoy the rhythm of playing every three days. We’ll see how they recover before making decisions.”
Trial Run for PSG Midfield
Arteta appeared to test a potential midfield setup for the PSG clash, given Thomas Partey is suspended for the first leg.
Declan Rice was deployed in a deeper role, with Mikel Merino, usually used in attack, slotting into central midfield alongside Ødegaard.
Up front, Leandro Trossard led the line and delivered an impressive brace. Arteta backed him to start against PSG if required.
“Trossard is certainly ready to play in any position,” he said.
“We’ve had to adjust not just for PSG but due to injuries like Thomas’ absence. The players’ adaptability has been crucial—it’s a big asset when our numbers are tight.”
With Arsenal firing on all fronts and confidence high, their eyes now turn to midweek league action—before a season-defining European showdown in Paris.