Mikel Arteta has cooled any injury fears around Bukayo Saka by insisting the winger was “fine” after he was forced off during Arsenal’s stunning win over Real Madrid.
Arsenal beat Real Madrid 3-0 on Tuesday night at Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Saka started for the first time since December and excelled, winning the two free-kicks that Declan Rice scored.
Mikel Merino added a third to secure a 3-0 win, but moments before that Saka was forced to come off and was seen limping as he made his way to the bench.
Arteta, however, has downplayed concerns that the problem is a serious one ahead of next week’s second leg in Madrid.
“He is fine, I think it was a kick on the free-kick action,” Arteta told Amazon Prime.
Speaking in his press conference, Arteta added: “Bukayo after he got tackled on the foul, I think he had a knock and he had to go. It doesn’t look serious, no.”
Rice was also forced off with 10 minutes to go and he was replaced by Kieran Tierney for the closing stages.
“I think Dec had an issue with the foot, I don’t know if it was a tackle or what was it,” said Arteta.
Bend it like Rice 🔥#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/yuhrSzp7AB
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) April 8, 2025
DECLAN RICE HAS DONE IT AGAIN 🤯
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) April 8, 2025
Another excellent free kick puts Arsenal up 2-0 at the Emirates#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/xXezgRvfJq
Arsenal are next in action on Saturday, when they host Brentford in the Premier League, and Arteta is likely to make changes to his team.
The Gunners will face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu four days after that in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Raheem Sterling, who was suspended for the first leg, is one of those who should come into the team that is picked to face Brentford.
Ben White, Ethan Nwaneri, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard will all hope to get starts, too.
The title race is all but over for Arsenal as they trail leaders Liverpool by 11 points with seven games to go.
