Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad after suffering an injury on international duty.
Mikel Arteta’s anxiety during the international break grew during the October fixtures, as Saka became the latest victim of injury at Arsenal.
The Englishman hobbled off in the second half of the Three Lions’ defeat to Greece and appeared to be clutching his hamstring.
It has now been confirmed that Saka left the England camp to return to Arsenal for further assessment, with no information regarding the severity of his injury provided yet.
Two Arsenal players could benefit from Bukayo Saka’s injury
While no one at Arsenal will want to see Saka absent from the action, there could be some squad players who could be handed an opportunity if the England international has to miss a number of matches.
Gabriel Jesus
One player who could benefit from a possible vacancy in attack is Gabriel Jesus, who is desperate to earn a platform to impress at Arsenal.
The Brazilian has fallen quickly down the pecking order in Arteta’s squad, seeing him lose his spot as the Gunners’ favoured striker to Kai Havertz.
If Saka’s injury sees him away from the action for a short spell, Jesus could certainly be one player to benefit, with the former Manchester City ace having the versatility to take up a range of positions.
Handing Jesus the space to impress could prove to be vital to Arteta, who could not just get the best out of the 2022 arrival once more, but could fill the possible void left by Saka with an experienced head.
- READ MORE: Why Bukayo Saka’s injury could give Gabriel Jesus one more chance to save his Arsenal career
Ethan Nwaneri
In a similar position to Jesus, but in opposite directions, is Ethan Nwaneri.
The 17-year-old is looking for gametime like the Brazilian however, is at the start of his career rather than being a possible exit in the near future.
Arteta has shown great faith in Nwaneri already this season, seeing the teenager make two Premier League appearances, as well as securing his full senior debut in the EFL Cup.
The issue with the youngster is that there is no rush to bring him through although, there could be an opening for the Englishman in the squad if Saka is unavailable.
While the two play different roles, Nwaneri could restore the playmaking qualities in attack that would be missed if the winger was absent.
We’ve seen that the Hale End star is more than ready to play at senior level in the current Arsenal side, with Saka’s possible injury having the opportunity to open a door for the 17-year-old to make more of an impact.
More losers than winners at Arsenal if Saka is unavailable
While the possibility of Saka being absent could hand some players an opportunity to shine, no one will want to see the Englishman out of action.
There would undoubtedly be more losers than winners in the squad if the 23-year-old requires a spell on the sidelines, here are four figures that could suffer.
Kai Havertz
The two standout stars from Arsenal’s attack this season have been Saka and Havertz, who are building a special partnership in the final third.
Given Havertz’s scoring form and Saka’s rate of assists this term, the timing of the Englishman’s injury could be a real blow for his German teammate.
The striker’s link up with the winger is flourishing, which has become even more important due to the absence of key creator Martin Odegaard.
Without Saka, Havertz could find himself missing the England international’s playmaking contribution, which could in turn, limit Arsenal going forward.
Thomas Partey
Another player who would miss Saka is Thomas Partey, who benefits greatly from having the Englishman on the right side of the pitch.
The Ghanaian has the support of the forward on the right side, with the pair fusing together to lift each other’s game.
Saka’s pressing and defensive contribution sees him stand out in Arsenal’s front line, something that benefits Partey, who isn’t blessed with the 23-year-old’s athleticism.
The balance on the right side is something that is rarely spoken about, but is integral to Partey’s form.
Gabriel Martinelli
On the topic of balance comes Gabriel Martinelli, who is Arteta’s favoured left-winger, playing on the opposite side to Saka.
The two wide players are similar in their direct approach, with the two combining effortlessly last time out at the Emirates against Southampton.
With Martinelli just beginning to rediscover his form, losing Saka could disrupt the balance on the flanks, as well as denying the Brazilian the chances that ultimately only the Englishman could produce.
Mikel Arteta
It’s not just those on the pitch who could be considered as the losers if Saka requires time out, as Arteta would miss the winger’s presence more than anyone.
Saka is arguably one of the first names on Arteta’s teamsheet, with the Hale End graduate’s impact this season crucial to the Gunners’ strong start.
Without the right-winger’s contribution to goals, Arsenal wouldn’t have scored eight of their 15 goals in the Premier League this term, telling of his importance at present.
Replacing Saka wouldn’t be as simple as a swift switch in personnel for Arteta to orchestrate, with very few in the squad able to replicate the level that the winger is performing at right now.
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