Saka Injury Overshadows Arsenal’s Shock UCL Loss To Lens

04 Oct Saka Injury Overshadows Arsenal’s Shock UCL Loss To Lens

Arsenal suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Ligue 1 side, RC Lens, in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, but the big story was an injury to star winger, Bukayo Saka. The England international was forced off after just 35 minutes with an apparent ankle injury, leaving Gunners fans sweating on his fitness ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City.

Gabriel Jesus had given Arsenal an early lead at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, but the French hosts were soon level through Adrien Thomasson. Despite Arsenal dominating possession after the break, it was Lens who grabbed the winner, courtesy of a fine Elye Wahi strike. The defeat saw Arsenal relinquish top spot in Group B to their opponents.

The tone was set early on when Lens carved out a great chance inside five minutes, Kevin Danso going close with a volley. Arsenal capitalised on some sloppy play to take the lead on 10 minutes, Saka feeding Jesus for a tidy finish. However, the Gunners’ advantage lasted just 15 minutes before Thomasson levelled with a curled effort.

It was soon after the equaliser that Saka’s night came to a premature end. The winger appeared to twist his ankle chasing a ball near the touchline and was replaced by Fabio Vieira. Arsenal dominated possession after the interval but lacked cutting edge, and were stunned when Wahi fired Lens ahead on 69 minutes.

The defeat was Arsenal’s first of the season’s UCL campaign and saw Lens take control of Group B. But the big concern now is the fitness of Saka ahead of the weekend’s mouth-watering top of the table clash with champions, Man City. Arsenal will hope their star man makes a swift recovery.