Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was withdrawn with an injury complaint in Sunday’s draw at Manchester City, and may be a doubt for tomorrow’s game against Luton Town.
Saka came off for Gabriel Martinelli in the second half, with the winger needing assistance as he limped off the pitch.
There have been concerns over Saka’s workload as a regular starter, whilst he has also been playing with a knock, and with a tough fixture schedule ahead, Arsenal cannot afford to lose their talisman.
Mikel Arteta has now given an update on Saka’s fitness ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Luton, which may provide a good opportunity to rest the 22-year-old.
Mikel Arteta gives positive injury update on Bukayo Saka
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed that whilst the squad have not trained since the draw at City, Saka’s potential injury scare was nothing to be concerned about.
“He is fine. We have not trained, just recovered,” he stated.
“We will have a short, light session today. We will see whether he is in the best condition to start or not.”
Should Arsenal rest Bukayo Saka against Luton Town?
Arsenal will back themselves to secure three points against Luton even if Saka is missing, and with a trip to Brighton on Saturday coming before a Champions League quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich within the next week, rotation may be necessary.
Saka has started all but one Premier League game this season, and risks burning out if he is continually used in this upcoming hectic schedule.
Luton are the lowest-placed side in the league Arsenal are scheduled to face in the coming weeks, and with Arteta’s side the heavy favourites, this could be the best opportunity to rest Saka and give one of the fringe players a chance to shine, with Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Jesus all capable of playing on the right wing.
Saka could likely still make the bench, and could even come on if Arsenal are chasing a goal, but ideally, he will not be needed whilst others gain valuable minutes in his absence from the starting XI.
Rotation will be key for the rest of the season as Arsenal compete on two fronts, and there may be some regret later down the line if the best opportunities for it are not taken when possible.