Arsenal’s eventual defeat in Lens, their first of the season, vindicated Mikel Arteta’s decision to opt for the strongest XI available to him.
The Gunners surrendered a one-goal advantage to Franck Haise’s spirited outfit and while the hosts had drawn level soon after Gabriel Jesus’ smooth opener, it was Bukayo Saka’s withdrawal that helped turn the tide in Lens’ favour.
Emboldened by Saka’s exit, Haise’s men pressed that little bit higher and man-marked that little bit tighter. The result was an Arsenal second-half performance devoid of rhythm as their attack lacked balance and Lens forced them into uncharacteristic build-up errors.
Without Saka and Gabriel Martinelli wreaking havoc down the flanks, the Gunners appeared woefully one-paced. Their showing after Saka’s injury will be of great concern for all supporters given that a huge Premier League contest against Manchester City is on the horizon.
Arsenal need their starboy fit, and preferably Martinelli as well, but the injury he sustained on Tuesday has rendered him a major doubt.
It’s too early to tell at this stage but the early signs aren’t exactly positive. While Arteta didn’t provide too many details, the Spaniard hinted at a muscular injury and reportedly said to reporters: “It doesn’t look good.”
Saka was forced off after setting up Arsenal’s opener in Lens before half-time with a hamstring problem. Arteta said post-match a “backheel” triggered the issue, with Saka walking straight down the tunnel after his substitution. He later returned to the sidelines in the second half donning a tracksuit.
The superstar winger has been dealing with several knocks, but Arteta said he was ready to go on Tuesday night and has “no regrets” about starting him.
However, this looks to be the most severe issue he’s sustained this season, with the injury potentially ruling him out of Sunday’s game and snapping his record-breaking streak of consecutive Premier League appearances for the Gunners.
Knowing Arteta, it probably won’t be clear until a few hours before kick-off whether Saka will play a part.
While Arsenal could be without Saka and Martinelli, City welcomed both Bernardo Silva and John Stones to training ahead of their Champions League fixture in Leipzig on Wednesday, suggesting the pair will be available this Sunday.
Bernardo missed City’s defeat at Wolves on Saturday, while Stones, so crucial to their success last season, is yet to feature in 2023/24.
However, Pep Guardiola is still without star creator Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian has terrorised Arsenal in the past, so his absence will offer some respite for Arteta.
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