Will Bukayo Saka be fit to face Manchester City? Latest Arsenal injury news
- Bukayo Saka is a doubt to face Manchester City after picking up a hamstring injury in Lens defeat
- Saka was forced off in the first half of Tuesday's Champions League game
- Winger has sustained several knocks at the start of the season
Arsenal's eventual defeat in Lens, their first of the season, vindicated Mikel Arteta's decision to opt for the strongest XI available to him.
The Gunners surrendered a one-goal advantage to Franck Haise's spirited outfit and while the hosts had drawn level soon after Gabriel Jesus' smooth opener, it was Bukayo Saka's withdrawal that helped turn the tide in Lens' favour.
Emboldened by Saka's exit, Haise's men pressed that little bit higher and man-marked that little bit tighter. The result was an Arsenal second-half performance devoid of rhythm as their attack lacked balance and Lens forced them into uncharacteristic build-up errors.
Without Saka and Gabriel Martinelli wreaking havoc down the flanks, the Gunners appeared woefully one-paced. Their showing after Saka's injury will be of great concern for all supporters given that a huge Premier League contest against Manchester City is on the horizon.
Will Bukayo Saka recover from injury to play vs Man City?
Saka was forced off after setting up Arsenal's opener in Lens before half-time with a hamstring problem. Arteta said post-match a "backheel" triggered the issue, with Saka walking straight down the tunnel after his substitution. He later returned to the sidelines in the second half donning a tracksuit.
The superstar winger has been dealing with several knocks, but Arteta said he was ready to go on Tuesday night and has "no regrets" about starting him.
Despite fears of a lengthy lay-off for Saka, Arteta confirmed on Friday that the winger is "in contention" to face City, but would not make a final call on his involvement until further checks have been made.
Saka was eventually left out of the squad to face Man City, with Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard supporting Eddie Nketiah in Arsenal's attack. Arteta admitted before kick-off he was 'tempted' to place Saka before omitting him from the squad entirely.
He said: "He [Saka] felt something, then obviously you are tempted to risk him.
"But he wasn't able to train yesterday so that put him out of the game straight away. It is [a big blow]. But we know we lost players in recent weeks and we have adapted to it.
"He's a really important player for us, no question about that. The team has to have the resources that we have to make it even without him."
Martinelli, however, was fit enough to claim a spot in Arsenal's matchday squad.
READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
feed