Darren Bent airs Bukayo Saka fitness concern in message to Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal vs Everton

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Arsenal will be eager to get the better of Everton after overcoming Fulham in the Premier League.

Domestic action returned to the Emirates after the March international break, with Arsenal beating Fulham 2-1. 

There’s no time for Mikel Arteta to rest as his side return to the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, followed by the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. 

Given Arsenal’s record at Goodison Park, facing Everton could pose a challenge as tricky as Real Madrid, giving the Gunners a final test before they attempt to derail Madrid’s plans of consecutive Champions League trophies. 

• READ MORE: Bukayo Saka’s celebration and Mikel Arteta’s reaction to Gabriel Magalhaes injury – five things you missed from Arsenal v Fulham

Darren Bent expresses Bukayo Saka concern

Ahead of Real Madrid and Everton, all eyes are set to be on the team Arteta selects, with injury concerns plaguing Arsenal’s season. 

Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber were injured against Fulham, however, the defensive pair aren’t the only focus before the trip to Goodison Park. 

After Bukayo Saka returned to action, Arsenal received a boost as their star winger returned after over 100 days away. 

Though Saka bounced back with a bang, scoring at the Emirates only seven minutes after being substituted on, Arteta has been warned not to get ahead of himself with the 23-year-old. 

“Saka is back. I don’t want to see him start against Everton,” pundit Darren Bent said on talkSPORT. 

Bent continued by sharing a plan for Saka, doubling down on his wish to see the Hale End product return to the starting XI against Real Madrid.

“No. Wait. Maybe give him a bit longer this time, maybe half an hour, maybe 45 minutes and then by the time Madrid comes, then start him. But right now, I don’t want to see at Everton, him starting and ready to go.”

No need for Saka to start against Everton

Bent is right, as with Real Madrid coming up, missing out from the start against Everton is a worthy sacrifice.

Saka’s hamstring injury was complex and required surgery to resolve, with the thought of a recurrence unthinkable at this moment in the season. 

Arsenal have no need to encourage fear of rushing the winger back too hastily as Ethan Nwaneri has proven that he’s a capable source of cover for Saka on the right.

A second-half cameo against Everton to ease Saka into possibly starting against Real Madrid would be the ideal scenario for the winger and fans, who have little room to allow more injury worry to creep in this season.