Worrying Bukayo Saka injury update as Arsenal star spotted with ankle strapped with ice after Leif Davis challenge
BUKAYO SAKA had his his ankle strapped with ice after being on the end of Leif Davis’ dangerous tackle during Arsenal’s clash at Ipswich.
The Tractor Boys’ full-back put in a nasty challenge on Saka that saw him shown a straight red just 32 minutes into the Premier League bout.
Davis raked his studs down the back of Saka’s heel as he tried to win the ball off the Gunners winger.
Referee Chris Kavanagh had no choice but to reach for his red card having seen the challenge right in front of him.
VAR briefly checked the decision and confirmed that Kavanagh was right to send Davis for an early shower.
A statement on the Premier League Match Centre X account read: “The referee’s call of red card to Davis for serious foul play was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed to be endangering the safety of an opponent.”
Davis knew the gravity of his actions and even apologised to Saka as he walked off the pitch.
Arsenal fans were holding their breath as Saka writhed around in pain on the ground following the challenge – with many concerned that he could miss out on Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League semi-final with injury.
He saw out the rest of the half and was subbed off in the 57th minute.
Arsenal medics then strapped his ankle with ice.
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Piers Morgan fumed: “Disgusting tackle by Davis that could have ended Saka’s season.. and now Ipswich fans are loudly booing the victim not their thug. Pathetic clowns.”
On social media, one wrote: “God, I hope Saka isn’t injured”.
While another added: “Saka is still down injured!!!! God please!!!! I can’t!!!!!”
Thankfully the 23-year-old was able to continue after treatment on the pitch, much to the relief of other fans.
One posted: “Saka so, so lucky he’s not been seriously hurt there.
“Standing foot, from behind, no chance of getting the ball. Horrible tackle. No other intention but to hurt Saka. A player who wanted to just get himself off the pitch.”
Saka has already missed 19 games with a hamstring injury this season and only returned to action last month.
The Gunners will need all their stars firing when they welcome Paris Saint-Germain to the Emirates Stadium for the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final later this month.
For now, the full focus is on getting the better of Ipswich.
Something that was made much simpler for Mikel Arteta‘s side after Davis’ dismissal.
While the North Londoners were already cruising 2-0 up when the challenge went in.
Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard meant Arsenal were 2-0 up at half-time.