Arsenal Star Bukayo Saka Sidelined: The Real Reason Behind His Absence Against Leeds United
As every Premier League fixture carries crucial significance for Arsenal, the table-toppers faced an unexpected setback with star winger Bukayo Saka's sudden unavailability on Saturday afternoon.
Following a string of dropped points across their previous three Premier League encounters, Mikel Arteta's squad urgently requires maximum points to establish some distance from Manchester City and Aston Villa. The positive aspect is that Arsenal conclude January with a journey to Elland Road to face 16th-positioned Leeds United.
However, circumstances deteriorated before kickoff when the Gunners revealed a late alteration to their starting eleven. Saka, who traveled to Leeds and was initially selected for the right flank, was withdrawn mere moments before the opening whistle.
What caused Saka's absence from the Leeds fixture?
Why Is Bukayo Saka Not Playing Against Leeds United?
Why Is Bukayo Saka Not Playing Against Leeds United?
Saka was initially scheduled to don the captain's armband on Saturday afternoon and occupy his customary position on Arteta's right flank. However, the England star sustained an injury during pre-match preparations and became unavailable for selection.
Arsenal disclosed that Saka "experienced discomfort" while warming up for the encounter at Elland Road. The club withheld specific details regarding the problem, though it proved significant enough to force the winger's withdrawal from the match.
This setback follows Saka being given a rest during the club's 3–2 triumph over Kairat in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Similar to that group stage fixture at the Emirates, Noni Madueke steps into the starting lineup.
With the opening leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals against Chelsea approaching in just three days, a potentially extended absence for Saka arrives at an especially unfortunate moment. The Gunners will anxiously await any developments regarding their star winger in the upcoming days.