The severity of Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka’s injuries, sustained in a collision with AFC Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie, have been revealed.

Christie grabbed Saka high on the leg in the first minutes of the game, leaving him needing treatment. After awarding the free kιck, referee David Coote did not take any more action.

As Saka awaited his reintroduction to the proceedings, he vented his frustrations at the fourth official over this decision. According to Football.london’s understanding, the challenge was deemed unnecessary when a video assistant referee determined that the tackle was careless and did not pose any threаt.

If the Stockley Park officials had thought the tackle was risky, they may have told Coote to look at the replay and maybe show a red card. But VAR can only do so much; for example, it can’t tell the referees to show yellow cards for tackles that the stadium officials have ignored.

As per FA regulations, a’reckless’ challenge only warrants a yellow card and not a red one. The Gunners’ opener came just before halftime, when Saka converted a penalty following a foul on Kai Havertz by visiting goalkeeper Mark Travers. Thankfully, Havertz was able to continue playing after the tackle.

Leandro Trossard extended the host team’s lead with 20 minutes left, so it appears like Arsenal’s chances of winning were unaffected by the decision not to send off Christie. Nonetheless, Saka proceeded to demonstrate the severity of his ιnjury sustained as a result of Christie’s tackle.