Bukayo Saka is expected to miss the October A match due to a hamstring injury.
Arsenal recorded a 1-0 win over Manchester City in the 8th round of the 2023-24 Premier League (PL) season held at the Emirates Stadium in London, England at 12:30 am (Korean time) on the 9th. As a result, Arsenal continued their 8-game undefeated streak and rose to second place in the league after Tottenham Hotspur.
At the beginning of the game, Manchester City pressed from a high position and looked for opportunities. The pressure was successful. David Raya made a mistake while building up from the back and Arsenal were shaken. However, Man City was unable to open the goal. Gabriel Magaliens and William Saliba showed impeccable defense. The first half ended 0-0 with no goals scored.
As the second half began, Arsenal brought out the substitution card. Leandro Trossar was removed and Gabriel Martinelli was brought in. Arsenal took the lead in the attack, but were unable to break through Man City’s defense. Both teams showed solid defense and did not easily give the opponent a chance.
The two teams that needed to score made changes. In the 23rd minute of the second half, Manchester City added John Stones, Jeremy Doku, and Mateus Nunes. Arsenal brought on Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the 30th minute of the second half. Arsenal’s mercenary skills were spot on. Partey attempted a long kick forward near the halfway line, and Tomiyas hit Havertz with his head. Martinelli received a pass from Havertz, hit a shot, and scored a goal after being deflected. In the end, the game ended with Arsenal winning 1-0.스포츠토토
On this day, Saka watched the game from the bench. Saka collapsed in the 32nd minute of the first half against Lens in the second match of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) Group B group stage and left the ground. Arsenal, without Saka, lost 1-2 to Lens and finished second in the group. After the game, coach Mikel Arteta said, “It was an injury so serious that I couldn’t continue the game. I’m worried it doesn’t look good.”
Saka did not appear in the match against Manchester City. Saka is the core of Arsenal’s attack this season. He was a threat to his opponents with his devastating penetration and shooting from the right flank. Saka has 5 goals and 5 assists in 10 games this season, including the Community Shield and cup competitions. Arsenal were very worried as Saka was unable to play against their championship rival, Manchester City. But fortunately, Martinelli’s goal secured victory.
Manager Arteta opened up about Saka’s injury. Manager Arteta said: “Saka will not be available for the international match in October. He has not been able to complete his training after the injury. He is currently unable to play football.”
Saka was selected for the England national team for this international match. England will play a friendly against Australia and a 2024 UEFA Euro qualifier against Italy. Gareth Southgate, the England national team coach, said, “There is a clear sense of responsibility as part of the national team. But I also have experience as a player. I will not take risks with the player’s health.” Manager Southgate hinted at Saka’s absence.