‘Never a good sign’: Arsenal boss Arteta gives update on Saka injury

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given an update on the current fitness of Bukayo Saka.

Bukayo Saka limped off the Emirates Stadium pitch in the dying minutes of Arsenal’s recent 2-2 draw against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The 22-year-old Arsenal forward could now be set for a spell on the sidelines.

Losing Saka for any significant length of time would be a devastating blow for the Gunners. Saka is a talismanic figure for the north London club and a consistent presence in the starting XI. In fact, the £195,000-a-week star recently broke Paul Merson’s club record for consecutive Premier League starts.

However, he will certainly not feature in Arsenal’s EFL Cup third round clash against Brentford this evening.

Speaking about Saka’s fitness ahead of the match, Mikel Arteta said, “he was limping quite badly after the match [against Tottenham] as you know. We had to get him off the field, which is never a good sign as well. He hasn’t been able to participate in the session,” as quoted by the club’s official website.

The Spanish coach was then asked if Saka will have to sit out this weekend’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth. He said, “it’s a possibility, yes.”

Arteta must handle Saka with care

Arteta must protect Saka this season. He is one of their best players, and they are better with him on the pitch, but he cannot play every minute of every game. Arteta must show faith in his deeper Arsenal squad. The likes of Reiss Nelson and Leandro Trossard must be used to take the burden off of Saka at every opportunity.

Wednesday evening’s cup clash with Brentford is an excellent opportunity for some of Arsenal’s rotation players to get some much-needed minutes into their legs and impress the manager.

In the meantime, Saka must be given all the recovery time he needs to get back to 100%. Arteta can’t afford to rush the 30-cap England international back into action, only to then exacerbate whatever ailment he is currently struggling with. Saka needs to be looked after this season.