Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has now provided an update on the condition of Bukayo Saka following the Gunners’ draw with Manchester City.
Bukayo Saka struggled to produce his best showing for Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
The 22-year-old winger worked hard defensively, but he could not impact the game in the final third as he would have hoped to. Rather, it was right-back Ben White who was singled out for providing Arsenal’s attacking threat up that side of the pitch.
Bukayo Saka struggles to shine for Arsenal v Man City
Saka, meanwhile, lacked his usual spark. The Hale End academy graduate has been the Gunners’ most potent attacking player this season. In 38 appearances across all competitions this season, the winger has racked up 16 goals and 13 assists.
However, he did not look to be fully fit for this trip to the Etihad Stadium. Saka was a doubt to start this match in the first place, after the Arsenal man was withdrawn from the England squad with an injury during the recent international break.
Certainly, he was not firing on all cylinders in the north west. Many Arsenal fans were unimpressed with the performance Saka put in against Manchester City in this crucial top of the table clash.
Saka is rarely taken off early whilst a match still remains in the balance. However, Mikel Arteta took the attacker off in the 78th minute on Sunday. The England international limped off, looking in some discomfort.
Mikel Arteta explains why Bukayo Saka came off early against Man City
Arteta explained his decision to withdraw Saka from the action early to the press after the final whistle. As quoted by journalist James Benge on X, the Spanish coach said, “he’s been out for a few weeks now with a little problem. He went out with fatigue.”
It would seem, then, that there ought to be no long-term concerns surrounding Saka’s fitness. However, he certainly looks like a player in need of a rest.
Arteta will need to lean on the strength in depth of his Arsenal squad over the course of the coming weeks. With the Gunners still chasing glory in both the Premier League and the Champions League, and with matches set to come thick and fast, he will need to rest and rotate players regularly and rely upon back-up players to provide the results needed.
Arsenal will not get much of a break now, as they are due to welcome Luton Town to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening. With all due respect to the Hatters, the north London club ought to be able to get a home win in this fixture even without Saka, so Arteta may see that match as an ideal opportunity to afford the player a proper break.