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Mikel Arteta confirmed that a "knock" forced Bukayo Saka off during Arsenal's special 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
The Gunners, buoyed by Declan Rice's free-kick magic, scored three times in the second half against the Champions League holders, leaving on the cusp of their first semi-final berth in this competition since 2009.
Rice's brace was followed up by Mikel Merino's cultured finish, meaning Arsenal have a 3-0 lead to protect at the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday. Also crucial to their triumph was star winger Saka, who was unable to finish the contest after making his first start since December.
However, Arteta assured supporters that there was little to be concerned about post-match.
Bukayo Saka fitness update after Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid
🚨⚠️ Mikel Arteta: “Bukayo Saka has not suffered any serious injury”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 9, 2025
“He’s fine, I think it was a kick”. pic.twitter.com/oC3IvD9Yot
After making a couple of bench appearances on his return from a hamstring tear, Saka took some time to grew into Tuesday's first leg as he lined up against veteran David Alaba. However, the winger was influential in the Gunners' late first half flurry, beating the Austrian on several occasions.
Saka was then responsible for winning both free-kicks after drifting infield which led to Arsenal's first two goals. Considering the injury he sustained and the little football he's played since Christmas, it was a staggering performance from inevitable wide man.
It perhaps wasn't surprising that he wasn't able to finish the contest, and he hobbled off just before Merino's strike. Explaining Saka's withdrawal, Arteta said (via afcstuff): "Bukayo was [substituted] after he got tackled on the foul. I think he had a knock, and he had to go."
Don't fear, folks, he's okay. Arteta added: “Bukayo Saka has not suffered any serious injury. He’s fine."
Supporters have eight days to watch back highlights of Tuesday's spectacle, and mop up every possible angle of Rice's pair of stunning free-kicks that'll doubtlessly enter all-time Champions League goal compilations. Arsenal visit the Bernabeu for the second leg next Wednesday, but there's a Premier League clash against Brentford to navigate at the weekend.
Expect Saka, Rice, who picked up a minor foot injury and was substituted, and Jurrien Timber, who's struggling with fatigue, to only play small roles on Saturday.