Bukayo Saka, who suffered an injury on Sunday, is another player who might not be able to compete in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Following a convincing 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Arsenal reclaimed first place in the Premier League.
Bukayo Saka’s injury in the first half meant that the day wasn’t without its problems.
Reiss Nelson’s first goals of the year, together with goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard, allowed Mikel Arteta to grab the maximum three points.
A tribute to Pablo Mari, the out-on-loan defender who is recovering after being stabbed in Italy during the previous week, was given before the game, and the scoreline was the ideal way to round off the afternoon.
When asked following the game if Saka’s injury would keep the winger out of the World Cup, Arsenal manager Arteta gave a positive response.
“Hope not,” the coach said. “It was a bad kick that he suffered right at the start of the game, he was limping for a bit. But I don’t see it as anything further than that.”
Tribute To Pablo Mari
Arsenal’s players paid respect to Spanish center-back Pablo Mari before the game against Forest. The defender, who is on loan at Serie A team Monza, was stabbed at a Milan supermarket.
After the event, which resulted in the death of one victim, Mari sustained a serious back wound. The former Flamengo player was taken to the hospital, had surgery, and was then allowed to heal.
Before the game began, Arsenal’s players and administration honored the 29-year-old while holding up a shirt with his name on it. Martinelli, a teammate, held up the jersey after starting the 5-0 triumph.
Mari is expected to be sidelined for at least two months as he continues to recover.
What Happened To Bukayo Saka?
After just 27 minutes of Sunday’s 5-0 Premier League triumph over Nottingham Forest, Arsenal lost Saka to injury.
Renan Lodi fouled the winger in the opening minute, and he subsequently took another kick before deciding he could no longer play. Reiss Nelson took the spot of the forward.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, is still optimistic that Bukayo Saka won’t miss the World Cup due to his injury.
Early in the game, the 21-year-old took a kick to the leg and needed to be treated on the field before being replaced after roughly 30 minutes.
Will Saka Miss The World Cup In Qatar?
Both Arsenal and England will be concerned about Saka’s injury. The 21-year-old had earlier assisted Gabriel Martinelli on the opening goal, giving him a season-high five assists in the Premier League.
Gareth Southgate, the manager of the Three Lions, will also be scrutinizing his physical condition in the weeks leading up to the World Cup in Qatar.
One of the best young football players in the world, Saka is renowned for his attacking incisiveness and creativity.
England manager Southgate will be hoping that Arteta’s prognosis is accurate and the injury is not serious.
When Arsenal plays FC Zurich in the Europa League on Thursday, they might be without their star winger.
