Arteta provides update on Saka and says he is ‘very happy’ for Arsenal defender in win over Ipswich | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka is “a bit sore” after a heavy challenge from Ipswich defender Leif Davis but that he does not have any serious injury, following the Gunners’ 4-0 win.

Davis was shown a straight red card for the challenge on Saka, with the Arsenal star needing treatment before he was able to carry on.

The Arsenal winger played on until the second half before he was replaced and was seen nursing his ankle with an ice pack on the substitutes bench.

But Arteta says it is nothing to worry about for Arsenal fans.

“The referee’s made a decision that it is clear,” he said on the tackle. “He was a bit sore, but it’s nothing serious, so it’s good.

“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.”

Arteta also admits he was worried after seeing Saka’s reaction to the challenge: “I do, 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.”

Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Ipswich marked the first time Saka had started in the Premier League since December, and he combined well with team-mate Martin Odegaard throughout.

“I think they were very good, both of them,” Arteta said. “Bukayo didn’t score but he contributed to a few goals. Same with Martin, so overall I think collectively we were very, very strong today as well.”

Leandro Trossard scored either side of a Gabriel Martinelli close-range finish before Ethan Nwaneri’s deflected strike added a fourth for the Gunners.

Ben White was also back in the Arsenal starting 11 following his latest injury setback and Arteta was delighted to see the defender perform well down the right-hand side along with Saka and Odegaard.

“Very happy for Ben, especially because he’s missed a lot of football,” Arteta said.

“He’s been so consistent and regular in the last few seasons with us, and this season, for different reasons, he hasn’t been able to play that many minutes.

“Today I think he played a really good game, so very happy because, I mean, he’s got a lot of quality, he brings something else to that unit, and it was good to finally see them.”