Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits signs are ‘not good’ for Bukayo Saka

Mikel Arteta did not deny Bukayo Saka’s injury could be significant after the winger’s struggles appeared to indicate “not good signs” for his prognosis. Pic: Adam Davy/Press Association.

Mikel Arteta did not deny Bukayo Saka’s injury could be significant after the winger’s struggles appeared to indicate “not good signs” for his prognosis.

Saka, who sustained a quad injury during Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich, will undergo an MRI on Friday afternoon.

The Arsenal boss nevertheless urged “patience” while the medical team determines the nature and seriousness of the 25-year-old’s issue.

“He’s got quite a lot of fluid in the area, so it was difficult to understand the extent of the injury, but we will probably know more tomorrow,” said Arteta, explaining the decision to send Saka for the MRI.

“We need a few more scans and opinions from the specialists. Obviously when a player has to walk off the pitch, he is struggling to walk without any pain, his movement is restricted, they are not good signs.

“So, again, let’s be a little bit patient so we can get a definitive assessment, and I will let you know.”

Arteta insisted that he is not concerned about Saka’s longevity, even with his injury history, saying: “I don’t have that feeling at all, but certainly we have to be mindful of creating the right ecosystem around the player to fulfil all his qualities.

“We really need to understand now, when he comes back, whenever that is, how are we going to manage that load again? What is capable today to sustain having an impact in the team?”

Saka’s absence for Saturday’s clash with Everton could open the door for Max Dowman, who, in March, became the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer at 16 years and 73 days when he scored against the Toffees in the Gunners’ 2-0 victory at the Emirates.

The last-gasp strike earned Dowman the club’s goal of the season award, but he has made just three appearances for Arsenal this term.

Arteta agreed there was no doubt the situation would likely inspire some reflection.

He said: “There is something inevitable to go back to that memory and the feeling of the moment. That’s with us, and that’s going to stay in that stadium for a long, long time.

“He’s training, and every time he’s got a moment to play, he is showing that he is a player who is going to impact the game, so for sure he is going to have minutes.

“It would be a great story, if we win the game especially.”