Arsenal have been without Bukayo Saka since Christmas last year.
The England international is undoubtedly Arsenal’s best player. He has been amazing for the Gunners for years now, and his unavailability is a massive blow.
The North Londoners have to find a way to win without him as Saka continues his rehabilitation and works his way back to full fitness.
Along with his rehab, Mikel Arteta wants Saka to do one thing, and that’s non-negotiable!
What Mikel Arteta wants Bukayo Saka to do right now
Saka is not expected to be back until the end of February – he could even be out until March.
That would make this his longest-ever injury, which is a shame as Saka is one of the most durable players in the entire Premier League.
However, this time off will give the Englishman a break, which is something he has almost never had over the last two or three years.
Saka was at the North London Derby at the Emirates on Wednesday. He’s still on crutches, but he made sure to come in and support his teammates against Tottenham.
Arteta was happy to have him there, but the Arsenal manager wants Saka to do one thing right away – go away on holiday.
When asked if he would give his star attacker his blessing to go on a trip, Arteta claimed that it is not even up for discussion – Saka has to go!
“He needs to. He is obligated to go, yes,” said Arteta, as relayed on HaytersTV. With his girlfriend, with his family or on his own – that he can choose. But, he needs to get away for a few days and refresh.
“He can still do a lot of things in rehab because it’s the perfect stage right now, but I think it’s going to make him really good.”
Arteta sent another Arsenal player away after his injury too
Suffering an injury has to be the worst experience for any footballer.
All the players in the world want to be on the pitch every week and when they cannot do that, it becomes very, very difficult.
That is why a change of scenery is very important, and sending Saka away on holiday is definitely the right thing to do following his injury.
The Arsenal number seven is not the only player who has been asked to do this – another star was sent away on holiday too.
In November, Arteta confirmed that Tomiyasu would be going away for a few weeks after the Japan international suffered yet another injury.
Tomiyasu was spotted at Arsenal’s training ground recently, so there is a chance that he will be back in action in the near future.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
