Legendary former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson has now admitted that he fears for the future of Bukayo Saka for one reason.
Arsenal icon Bob Wilson has now expressed his concerns about Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal could be without Saka for their trip to face Manchester City on Sunday. The Hale End academy graduate recently dropped out of the England squad with fitness concern. Given Gabriel Martinelli is also a doubt for this clash at the Etihad Stadium, Mikel Arteta may well have to field second-choice wingers against Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions.
Saka’s absence would be a huge blow for the Gunners. The winger is a talismanic figure for the north London club and is their most potent attacker. In 27 Premier League appearances this season, the 22-year-old has already racked up 13 goals and 8 assists.
However, Arsenal will know that they have what it takes to beat Manchester City even without the England star on the pitch, as they did exactly that earlier this season. The attacker was unfit to face City in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium back in October, but Arteta’s side were still able to triumph with a 1-0 victory on that occasion.
Bob Wilson admits Bukayo Saka fears
Wilson, it seems, is not overly surprised by Saka’s current fitness struggles. The 82-year-old, who made over 300 appearances for the north London outfit in his playing days, is concerned that the rough treatment that Saka regularly receives on the pitch will ultimately catch up with him.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Wilson said, “what drives me demented is we have one of the best young players and, if we aren’t careful, football will lose him by the time he is 24 or 25 because Bukayo Saka will have been kicked out of the game.”
“Referees don’t seem to see or understand it. There are always a minimum of two players within five yards of Saka and often a third. If they can’t stop him, they kick him…I say there has not been a more kicked player in the Premier League than Bukayo Saka…I really worry for Bukayo.”
The club clearly share the former goalkeeper’s concern. Arsenal called for Saka to be afforded more protection by referees earlier this season.
Arsenal will be worried about traumatic history repeating itself with Bukayo Saka
Players like Saka will always draw more fouls than most. The Arsenal star often has the beating of his opponents in one-on-one situations, and given the damage he can do in the final third, opponents often feel compelled to stop him by any means necessary.
Saka has been somewhat fortunate in that he has not sustained any serious injuries so far in his career. That, though, does not justify the unfair treatment he regularly receives. Wilson’s fears are valid, and Premier League officials have a duty of care to protect players like Saka. Arsenal fans will recall the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Abou Diaby, and Eduardo when considering talented young players who suffered injuries at the hands of opponents. They will fear history repeating itself.