Mikel Arteta has disclosed Arsenal remain uncertain about the extent of Bukayo Saka's injury following the victory against Leeds.
Saka departed the Gunners' warm-up prematurely after being named in the starting XI on Saturday afternoon. The England winger pulled up during a training exercise with his teammates and seemed to clutch his groin before making his way down the tunnel, accompanied by a physiotherapist, at Elland Road. Saka was substituted by Noni Maduke in Arteta's starting XI, whilst Christian Norgaard was given a spot on the bench as he entered the squad.
In the wake of the Gunners' impressive 4-0 win, Arteta characterised Saka's problem as a niggle when questioned about the matter. The Spaniard acknowledged it was an unpredictable situation, though. "We don't know yet," Arteta told Match of the Day. "He had a little niggle in the warm-up."
Mikel Arteta suffered an injury nightmare when Arsenal prepared to face Leeds
Mikel Arteta suffered an injury nightmare when Arsenal prepared to face Leeds (Image: Lee Keuneke/Every Second Media/Shutterstock)
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Speaking to Sky Sports News, Arteta also said: "He had a little niggle and he wasn't comfortable to start the game, so we made a decision straight away and now we are going to have to do some tests tomorrow and see how he is."
The Gunners secured a comfortable three points in a 4-0 triumph, despite Saka's absence,reports the Mirror. Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus all found the net in Yorkshire to stretch the Gunners' advantage at the Premier League summit to seven points.
Madueke was delighted by his team's display and remained composed despite his last-minute inclusion in the starting lineup. "We're professional so we are prepared," he said after the game.
Noni Madueke of Arsenal celebrates
Noni Madueke of Arsenal celebrates (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
"Happy that we got the win. I appreciate the supporters, it means a lot that they come so far from home. We heard them the whole 90 minutes, they were top today.
"We have been fighting on all four fronts since the start of the season. It goes without saying that everyone is ready when called upon. Every few days you have to be ready to perform. It is about staying locked in and in the zone."
The Gunners finally broke their league win drought with a dominant performance under Arteta's guidance. Declan Rice was chuffed his team delivered the goods on Saturday.
"Off the back of the last three performances, we knew how big today was. To win 4-0 is a massive win for us," he said. "We can control what we can control and we have to keep winning games and keep pushing. What will be will be.
"So far we are top in the Premier League and won eight out of eight in the Champions League. We can't complain about where we are. We are in a really strong position, we know as players we have a really good squad.
"Every game is a cup final. We have a long four months ahead but we are prepared. Let's keep going and give it a good go."