After setting up Gabriel Jesus’ goal, Saka went off in the 34th minute with a muscular problem.

Arteta said, “We don’t know anything more.”.

There was enough damage to prevent him from continuing to play, and that’s a concern for us.”

Despite starting both of his side’s recent games, Saka has been withdrawn with injury concerns – and is a doubt for Sunday’s crucial Premier League meeting with Manchester City.

When asked whether he regretted picking Saka against Lens, Arsenal boss Arteta replied: “No. He had a knock the other day and he was fine.”

He tried to backheel a ball in the first half and felt something muscular. He felt uncomfortable to continue, so we took him off.

He hasn’t missed any games. We gave him a break against Brentford last week in the Carabao Cup.”

Saka has started 87 consecutive league games for Arsenal and has been an ever-present in the side.

Due to Saka’s importance to Arsenal’s attacking play, it was not surprising that their tempo and energy significantly declined against Lens following his departure.

Arteta will not want to lose such a key player to Pep Guardiola’s City, who lead the Premier League by one point.

“Let’s see what the extent is. The last few were more knocks than anything else.” said he.