Chris Sutton says Bukayo Saka’s role at Arsenal has now changed

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There has been a lot of talk about Bukayo Saka at Arsenal, despite the winger being out of action right now.

Saka suffered a hamstring injury on matchday two, forcing the 24-year-old to spend another period on the sidelines. 

The Englishman underwent surgery on his hamstring last season, seeing Arsenal without their star player for months. 

Seeing how Arsenal are coping without Saka is why the forward has been a topic of conversation of late, with Noni Madueke shining in his absence. 

• READ MORE: Gary Neville thinks something is happening at Arsenal that wasn’t expected for ‘five to ten years’

Chris Sutton says Bukayo Saka is not as important to Arsenal now

Gary Neville questioned if Saka could move to the left to accommodate Madueke, a claim that left Ian Wright fuming. 

Madueke’s form is impressive, but those at Arsenal won’t forget what Saka has been doing for so many years just because his competitor is thriving. 

The noise around Saka’s competition with Madueke is understandable, however, as Arsenal have never had a right-sided player at the level to truly test the Hale End graduate. 

Speaking on BBC’s Football Daily Monday Night Club, Chris Sutton drew attention to how Arsenal are no longer in a position where they need to rely solely on Saka.

“If we went back to last season with Saka’s contribution and, you know, if Saka was out for a long spell, we’d all be saying, blind me, they’ll be in a bit of a bother,” Sutton said.

“You know, their creativity and the goals he scored is important to the team. Now you’re thinking, well, all right, they still miss him, but they’re not going to miss him that much.

“You know, with the depth they have and Madueke playing like he is.”

Madueke was incredible against Nottingham Forest, putting on a show that had many wondering how Arteta is going to accommodate the winger once Saka is back. 

How many minutes Saka has played under Mikel Arteta

Addressing the squad depth issue was paramount in the summer, and fortunately, Andrea Berta delivered in the transfer market.

Welcoming Madueke was a turning point, as Arsenal are now capable of coping without their star player. 

It’s not only joyous for Madueke, who has proven his worth, but for Saka too, who will finally earn some period of rest this season.

Since Arteta arrived, Saka has played a remarkable 18,990 minutes of football for Arsenal, which equates to over 3,000 minutes per season.

The bottom line is, before anything else, Saka needs rest, which is what the forward will be granted this campaign, thanks to the options the Gunners now have.