“Arteta Reveals Concerns Over Rice and Saka Injuries: ‘It’s Not Looking Good'”

“Arteta Warns: Rice and Saka Injuries ‘Don’t Look Good'”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed concern over the injuries to Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, describing the situation as “not looking good” after both players were forced off during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Rice, who had been playing with a broken toe, was substituted in the 71st minute, and Saka followed shortly after in the 81st minute due to a leg injury.

Arteta commented, “It doesn’t look good because when two key players tell you they can’t continue, it’s never positive.”

Arsenal have been plagued by injuries to several important players this season, with Saka also missing two matches after picking up an injury while playing for England during the last international break.

Both Saka and Rice have been included in England’s squad for next week’s Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland. However, Arteta remains uncertain whether they will be fit to join the national team.

“I’m not sure if they’ll be ready,” said Arteta. “If they weren’t fit, they wouldn’t have come off.”

He added, “What I’m hoping for is that after the international break, we have the team fully fit and ready, because it’s been a tough eight weeks.”

Martin Ødegaard, who made his first start in two months for Arsenal, played the full match, and Arteta plans to discuss a potential international call-up for Norway with his captain.

Arsenal enter the international break nine points behind Premier League leaders and without a win in their last five matches across all competitions.