Bukayo Saka apologises to Kostas Tsimikas for challenge that led to broken collarbone

Bukayo Saka has issued a public apology to Kostas Tsimikas after being involved in a challenge that led to the Liverpool defender breaking his collarbone in the 1-1 draw at Anfield. 

In an attempt to win the ball back for his side, Saka went shoulder-to-shoulder with Tsimikas and sent the Greek defender flying down the touchline onto Jurgen Klopp, who was also floored by the challenge. He was withdrawn shortly afterward with a suspected shoulder injury, but Sky Sports confirmed at half-time that Tsimikas was taken to a nearby hospital with a broken collarbone.

Speaking about the incident after the game, Saka admitted that he had no intention of injuring the Liverpool defender, adding that he just wanted to win the ball back for his team and carry on with the game. He said (quotes via Liverpool Echo): "I heard he has gone to hospital so obviously I want to apologise to him, I didn’t mean it of course. For me it was a 50/50 and I have gone shoulder to shoulder with him," said the Arsenal winger.

"I didn’t see it but he must have taken a bad fall, I didn’t see him go into Klopp either. I was focused on running forward because I didn’t think it was a foul. That’s my take on it."

Klopp admitted after the game that Liverpool's spirited performance to secure a 1-1 draw against Arsenal was 'overshadowed' by Tsimikas' injury, confirming that the Greek defender is set to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

He said (quotes via Goal): "It was massively overshadowed by Kostas Tsimikas' collarbone issue, definitely broken, so he is out for a long time. The other issues we will have to see. It is hard for us to swallow with the Robbo [Andy Robertson] situation."

With Tsimikas joining Joel Matip and Andy Robertson on the injury list, Liverpool's backline is down to its bare bones, which could force Klopp to dip into the transfer market in January. A left-sided central defender who can also fill in at left-back would do the Reds a world of good, with the likes of Piero Hincapie and Goncalo Inacio previously linked with the club. Will Klopp add to his squad next month? Time will tell.