Bukayo Saka Injury Update: When will the Englishman return to action for Arsenal?
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was subbed off at half-time in the team’s 6-0 drubbing of Sheffield United on March 4. Following the game, manager Mikel Arteta provided an update on the winger’s situation.
Saka started the game and even provided an assist for Declan Rice’s goal. He did well to make space to play the pass to Rice, who made a good run into the box and had the simplest of finishes to make it 5-0 in the 39th minute.
Why was Bukayo Saka subbed off?
Bukayo Saka was subbed off at half-time and replaced by Fabio Vieira. The Portuguese midfielder made his return from a long-term absence due to a groin injury. Speaking after the game, Arteta provided a positive update on Saka.
“Bukayo was feeling sick and wasn’t feeling right, so we decided to take him off and bring Fabio in.”
Going by the Spaniard’s words, it seems the substitution was just precautionary. The manager also used the game situation at 5-0 up to allow Vieira a relaxed scenario and play a low-intensity second half.
Dominant Arsenal blow Sheffield United away
The Gunners were rampant from the start as captain Martin Odegaard got them off to a flyer with a goal in the fourth minute. Some brilliant play by Saka on the right wing followed by a cross into the middle led to an own goal by Jayden Bogle for 2-0 after 13 minutes.
Jakub Kiwior and Gabriel Martinelli combined for the third goal just two minutes later as Arsenal ran riot at Bramall Lane. The Brazilian turned provider for the fourth, playing Kai Havertz through as he finished calmly with a driven shot. Declan Rice rounded off the first-half scoring in the 39th minute with a cool finish.
Benjamin White was the only scorer in the second half. He scored with a lovely left-footed drive from outside the box following Havertz’s pass. His goal capped off another dominant performance for Arsenal.
They have scored 31 goals in their last seven Premier League games, conceding just three. Arteta’s men are third with 61 points and a goal difference of +45, already as much as their total last season.