Arsenal might be with out Bukayo Saka for Man Metropolis conflict as Lens expose Gunners’ weak spot in shock Champions League defeat

Arsenal are sweating over Bukayo Saka’s health following his harm within the 2-1 defeat at Lens which could have Manchester Metropolis licking their lips.

The Gunners winger was risked for the Champions League Group B tie in France, however lasted simply 34 minutes as he went off with what gave the impression to be a thigh pressure.

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Boss Mikel Arteta has incurred the wrath of followers on social media for beginning the 22-year-old, who hobbled off within the membership’s final two Premier League video games towards Tottenham and Bournemouth.

And after going off for a 3rd straight match, there at the moment are severe doubts as as to whether he will probably be match to face the table-toppers on the Emirates on Sunday.

Even Arteta is not sure whether or not he will probably be obtainable to function in what’s the standout top-flight match to date this time period.

Chatting with TNT Sports activities after the match, Arteta confirmed that Saka was unable to proceed after pulling up injured.

He mentioned: “It was an motion. It was a again heel and he felt one thing on this particular motion. It was nothing else.

“And clearly he wasn’t comfy to proceed.”

Pressed as as to whether Saka has picked up a severe knock, Arteta merely shook his head to point he has no thought.

Although chatting with Norwegian reporter Arilas Ould-Saada, the ex-Everton midfielder supplied a extra worrying replace for followers.

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He merely said: “It would not look good.”

However what could also be much more as a priority for Arteta is how simply his aspect had been exploited down their left-hand aspect.

Elye Wahi’s 69th minute for Lens got here by that aspect, as Oleksandr Zinchenko was uncovered, main the ball to be performed into the field.

And there was an unmarked Wahi who tucked residence his strike past the outstretched arms of David Raya into the underside left nook.

It was an space that Lens focused all through the match, they usually had been unlucky to not rating extra with Zinchenko usually leaving open area as he floated across the pitch.

Talking on talkSPORT commentary, Sam Matterface believes Metropolis boss Pep Guardiola will probably be seeking to expose that frailty for Arsenal.

Previous to Wahi’s purpose, he mentioned: “Should you’re Pep Guardiola and also you’re watching this, you are pondering, ‘I do know what space of the pitch I will be focusing on on Sunday afternoon’.

“It’s going to be that right-hand aspect, the Arsenal left, the place Zinchenko persistently vacates the left full-back place.

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“And in transition, he will probably be having a discipline day.”

Following Lens’ eventual winner, ex-West Ham striker Dean Ashton remarked: “It is that Arsenal left-hand aspect, time and time once more, Lens have been in that place.

“Once they’ve gained the ball again, it is only a easy one-two, [Przemyslaw] Frankowski simply performs it in round Zinchenko, who’s on his heels, and what a end from Wahi.”

Ought to Arteta determine to combine it up at left-back, he might begin Takehiro Tomiyasu over Zinchenko.

However ought to he be with out Saka, he might probably must shake up his whole frontline.

Metropolis might have Rodri lacking by suspension, however will probably be very a lot benefit Metropolis if Saka fails to play his 88th consecutive top-flight match.

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