Bukayo Saka is not expected to miss any action after sustaining an ankle knock during Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Sunday, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
The winger came off worse following a heavy challenge from Leif Davis in the 32nd minute, which resulted in the Ipswich defender being shown a red card for the reckless tackle.
Saka was later withdrawn early in the second half and was seen with his ankle strapped post-match, prompting concern among fans ahead of a crucial stretch in Arsenal’s season.
However, Arteta played down any serious concern about the injury, confirming that Saka’s early substitution was purely precautionary with a Champions League semi-final on the horizon.
“He was a bit sore, but it’s nothing serious, so it’s good,” Arteta assured reporters.
With the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain scheduled for 29 April, Arsenal will be eager to keep key players fit – something that’s proved challenging in a season riddled with injuries.
🚨 Arteta: “Bukayo Saka is in a bit of pain but thankfully it doesn’t look anything too serious”.
“He’s fine, it looks all good”. pic.twitter.com/MpSJs1AqTY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 20, 2025
Saka himself has already missed time this campaign, as have fellow stars Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus.
Reflecting on the challenge that forced Saka off, Arteta said: “I haven’t seen the slow motion, I’ve just seen the normal pace image and yeah, he cuts him from the back.
“I don’t think it’s intentional at all, but it’s dangerous because he cannot really react to anything, because you cannot see him coming.”
The Arsenal boss admitted he remains on edge when players go down, particularly given the squad’s current physical condition.
“I do,” he said, “especially with the numbers that we have right now and especially when they are back to goal, because normally it’s the moment when the foot is planted, your weight is there, and you cannot really react to it, but he’s fine.”
