Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta Concerned Over Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has voiced concerns regarding the injuries sustained by England internationals Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, stating that their conditions “don’t look good.” Both players were forced to leave the field during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Saka was substituted by Gabriel Jesus with nine minutes remaining in the match. Rice, who was playing despite a broken toe, was taken off in the 71st minute, followed by Saka’s withdrawal 10 minutes later after receiving treatment for a leg injury. Arteta commented, “It doesn’t look good, because for two players of that importance to tell you they cannot continue in the game, it’s not good news.” This season, Arsenal has contended with numerous injuries to key squad members. Saka previously missed two games after sustaining an injury while playing for England during the last international break. Both Saka and Rice have been named in interim head coach Lee Carsley’s England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. England is scheduled to play an away match in Greece on Thursday, 14 November, before hosting the Republic of Ireland at Wembley three days later. However, Arteta expressed uncertainty about the pair’s availability to join the national team. “I don’t know whether to expect them to be fit because if not they don’t come off,” Arteta stated. He added, “What I’m praying for is that after the international break we have the team fully physically equipped, that they are available and that they are fit, because it’s been a nightmare for eight weeks.” Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard made his first start for Arsenal in two months, playing the entire match. Arteta indicated he plans to discuss a potential international call-up for Norway with his captain. As Arsenal enters the international break, the club is nine points adrift of the top position in the Premier League table and has not secured a victory in its last five matches across all competitions.