Neither Arsenal or England can afford Bukayo Saka to keep playing through minor injuries, he has to be given a rest after next week.
That’s off the back of Saka picking up another issue in the 4-0 win against Bournemouth yesterday on his injury return.
Saka missed the midweek trip to Brentford in the EFL cup and took a fresh knock on Saturday.
The winger was replaced by Fabio Vieira in the 74th minute and Mikel Arteta wasn’t sure of the severity after the game.
Arsenal now have two games before the international break, a trip to France to face Lens before Manchester City visit on Sunday.
And whilst Saka seems likely to be fit for those games, he then should be afforded a rest during the break.
England have two Wembley fixtures to deal with, a friendly against Australia followed by a qualifier against Italy.
Given all of the options at Southgate’s disposal, England can surely allow Arsenal Saka’s a rare rest.
England should allow Saka to remain at Arsenal
Whilst Saka might not be too pleased with that decision, it should give him a much better chance of continuing his fine form across the whole season.
Moreover, England really do have some great wingers missing out right now.
Jarrod Bowen has continued his quite remarkable form at West Ham United this weekend.
Fresh from his goal at Anfield, Bowen netted again in a win against Sheffield United.
And although he’s not in the same level of form, Southgate could easily recall Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling to the side.
Some England fans may argue that ‘relentless‘ Saka should instead be afforded that rest at Arsenal.
However, that is simply the reality of modern day football, international games are often seen as more disposable.
Saka would be a miss against Italy, but with all of Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and others in place, England should be able to cope.
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