Mikel Arteta provides Bukayo Saka injury update ahead of Aston Villa clash

Arsenal rescue a late point

Arsenal hit back in the dying seconds of injury time to grab a point against Crystal Palace on Monday night.

Hosting Patrick Vieira’s new-look Palace side, the Gunners took the lead in the opening 15 minutes as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired home after Nicolas Pepe saw his initial effort saved by Vicente Guaita.

⚽️ Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored in 3 successive home PL apps for the first time since scoring in 5 in a row from May-Sept 2019

Only Mohamed Salah has scored more home PL goals since Aubameyang’s PL debut in Feb 2018 pic.twitter.com/00V7vuSGz9

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) October 18, 2021

However, Mikel Arteta’s side took their foot off the throttle, and handed Palace a way back into the game courtesy of mistakes from Thomas Partey and Sambi Lokonga, both of which resulted in goals.

It was not until the dying seconds of the clash that Alexandre Lacazette, a second half substitute, leveled the tie, turning in a rebound after Ben White saw his effort stopped on the line. While it felt very much like a point earned in the moment, it is surely two points dropped for the Gunners as they look to challenge for Europe this season.

Saka injury overshadows all

The second-half was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, which fans and pundits alike felt deserved a red card.

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

The Arsenal and England winger was substituted at half time in the encounter, with Sambi Lokonga replacing him, and is now in a race to be fit for Friday’s clash with Aston Villa.

The 20-year-old was not spotted in training on Wednesday, and Mikel Arteta moved to clarify the situation in his pre-match press conference.

☔️Arsenal players currently in action training in the rain

❌Bukayo Saka is not at training as he continues to get treatment on his calf injury pic.twitter.com/SLKTyB1mbf

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 20, 2021

Asked on Saka’s condition, he said:

“We have a training session today. He hasn’t trained yet, we have to assess him today and see how he is.”

Will he be fit in time for Friday’s clash?

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