Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has caused concerns at times this season given how much football he plays, and fans are often worried that he could pick up an injury.
Saka appeared in every single Premier League game for over two years before missing Arsenal’s victory over Manchester City in October, but sat out the recent Champions League trip to PSV Eindhoven.
The winger was named on the bench as Mikel Arteta named a rotated side, but big hitters Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard still came on, much to the bewilderment of fans and pundits.
However, it has now emerged that Saka may have picked up an injury whilst warming up during the game.
Bukayo Saka sparks Arsenal injury concerns
A report from Football.London has now revealed that Saka felt some “discomfort” as he was warming up on the touchline, having travelled despite missing training the day before.
“Football.london understands that Saka missed the open training session at London Colney on Monday because of a knock to his foot, though he still travelled,” the report stated.
“In Eindhoven, Saka did not make it off the bench, and was spotted going down the tunnel in some discomfort with a physio after warming up on the touchline during the Champions League clash sparking injury concerns.”
Should Mikel Arteta rotate Bukayo Saka more?
Reiss Nelson started in place of Saka on the right wing against PSV, and delivered a masterclass as he was the best player on the pitch.
Nelson is struggling for game time despite performing well in his limited opportunities, and he could be an internal solution to help Saka rest more.
Saka usually starts without fail, and often plays the full 90 minutes whilst also receiving heavy tackles throughout the game.
Although Arteta is rightfully keen to start one of his best players in most games, Nelson’s impressive form should mean that he occasionally gets an opportunity on the right, either off the bench or from the start, and this will allow Saka more time to rest in between matches.
Arteta has always appeared unmoved by the concerns over Saka, but if the England star was to pick up an injury, it could seriously derail Arsenal’s title hopes if there is no match-sharp alternative who can cover for an extended period.
With tough games against Brighton and Liverpool coming up, Arteta will hope that Saka’s injury is not one which will make him a doubt for these games.
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