Football: Arsenal Faces Mixed Fortunes Ahead of Real Madrid Encounter
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Synopsis
London, April 2 (NationPress) Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is facing both good and bad news as his team prepares for the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid. The positive aspect is the return of star winger Bukayo Saka, who scored shortly after coming on as a substitute in a recent match against Fulham.
Key Takeaways
- Bukayo Saka returns after a long injury lay-off.
- He scored quickly after coming back in a match against Fulham.
- Arsenal's scoring average dropped significantly during Saka's absence.
- Arteta is facing defensive challenges with multiple injuries.
- Arsenal prepares for a crucial match against Real Madrid.
London, April 2 (NationPress) Arsenal's coach Mikel Arteta faced a mix of positive and negative developments just a week before the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Real Madrid. The positive news is the return of England winger Bukayo Saka, who had been sidelined due to a hamstring injury since December 2022. The 23-year-old made a significant impact as a substitute in the 66th minute during Tuesday's 2-1 victory against Fulham, scoring Arsenal's second goal just seven minutes after entering the match.
Saka's contribution to the team is invaluable; statistics indicate that Arsenal averaged 2.1 goals per game in the 16 Premier League matches prior to his injury, whereas this figure plummeted to just 1.5 goals per match in his absence, according to reports from Xinhua.
Arteta referred to Saka's goal as a “wonderful moment,” emphasizing the admiration and respect the fans have for Bukayo.
On the downside, Arteta is now without Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori, both of whom are dealing with knee injuries sustained recently.
Additionally, central defender Gabriel had to leave the field due to a hamstring issue in the first half, followed by Jurrien Timber, who also suffered a knee injury in the second half.
“Losing Calafiori, Ben White, Jurrien, and Gabriel Magalhaes in just one week is quite challenging,” Arteta expressed after the match.
With Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo set to visit the Emirates Stadium in what is arguably Arsenal's most crucial match of the season, Arteta's frustration is understandable, despite his confidence in having “four additional players ready to step up and perform well.”
