Arsenal star Bukayo Saka withdrawn after injury blow against Liverpool

Arsenal attacking midfielder Bukayo Saka opened the scoring against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening but was withdrawn towards the closing stages of the game due to an injury.

The England international first went down holding the back of his head having been struck by his own player Gabriel in the 60th minute.

The Arsenal star was a little dazed but he got back to his feet and continued action.

Bukayo Saka is forced off for Arsenal. Reiss Nelson is on.

— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) February 4, 2024

However, Saka went down again in the 78th minute and had to receive treatment time on his right leg.

He clearly looked in some pain and had to hobble off and was eventually replaced by Reiss Nelson.

We've made a third substitution…

↩️ Saka
🔛 Nelson

🔴 2-1 🟣 (79) pic.twitter.com/GIhZTCvT8t

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 4, 2024

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will hope the knock is not very serious as losing such an important player right now will be a massive blow.

The Gunners return to action next Sunday when they play West Ham United at London Stadium, with Burnley next at Turf Moor on February 17.

They resume their Champions League campaign afterwards with a trip to Portugal to face FC Porto in the first-leg of the round of 16 on February 21.

Having closed the gap between them and Liverpool to just two points following their 3-1 victory on Sunday, Arsenal will be fired up going forward, and they need Saka available as soon as possible.

The Hale End graduate has been withdrawn thrice during games this term, getting forced off in their Champions League group game against RC Lens in October, limping off in the closing stages of the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur and getting withdrawn against Bournemouth after limping around for a while in September.

However, he has managed to escape any long-term injuries so far, and Arsenal will hope he is available sooner rather than later.