Mikel Arteta says that Bukayo Saka has “a little niggle” after he pulled out of Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday.
The winger was named in the starting X for the Premier League match, but pulled up during the warm-up.
The 24-year-old walked down the tunnel in some discomfort and had to be replaced in the lineup by Noni Madueke.
Bukayo Saka injury update issued after Arsenal star misses Leeds win
“In the warm-up, he had a little niggle,” said Arteta after the full-time whistle. “He was uncomfortable to start the game, so immediately we made the decision to bring Noni in. And he was ready.”
Arsenal were nonetheless dominant without their star man as Madueke set up Martin Zubimendi for the opener before his corner was diverted into the net by goalkeeper Karl Darlow to double their lead. Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus both got on the scoresheet in the second half to complete the rout.
“[Madueke] was ready, because you cannot do that in two minutes,” Arteta added. “The way he prepared, the way he’s waiting for opportunity. I think he paid off today, because he made a real impact.
“We thought before the game it was going to be a long game. We were going to have to navigate through different moments in the game, and we were going to need everybody fulfilling their roles and I think the players executed that incredibly.”
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