Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is in clear need of a rest, with a lack of rotation and heavy fixture schedule catching up to the 22-year-old.
Saka put in a disappointing performance in Wednesday’s loss to Bayern Munich, and with games coming thick and fast, Arsenal will travel to face Wolves on Saturday in an important game for their Premier League title hopes.
There have been concerns about Saka suffering from fatigue, and he has featured in all but two Premier League games all season. He looked exhausted in Munich, and if he is to return to his best level, a rest may be necessary ahead of crunch games against Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Mikel Arteta has several options available to him to use at Molineux should he drop Saka to the bench, and whilst all three are downgrades on a fully fit Saka, it may be beneficial all round to give an alternative player an opportunity.
Mikel Arteta could select Gabriel Jesus on the right wing
Gabriel Jesus could benefit from more minutes amid struggles for form and fitness, and his ability to play across the front three could come in useful against Wolves.
Jesus started on the right and put in a superb performance as Arsenal beat Manchester City in the absence of Saka earlier this season, and another opportunity to see what he can do on the right wing could help the England star rest, and help Jesus find his form.
Reiss Nelson could be handed a rare Arsenal start
There was plenty of interest in Reiss Nelson last summer, but the winger signed a £100k-a-week long-term contract.
READ MORE: All Arsenal player wages for the 2023/24 season, ranked
Nelson has impressed in some cameo appearances, but he has made just one Premier League start since signing his contract, in a game where he was tidy but uninspiring against Luton Town.
He could be given another opportunity, to allow Saka to rest, and to potentially impress Arteta, or at the very least, put himself in the shop window ahead of a potential summer exit.
Fabio Vieira could make surprise Arsenal return
£34m signing Fabio Vieira has hardly featured all season after struggling with injury, but has occasionally featured on the right wing.
READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every first-team player in the transfer market
The attacking midfielder needs game time to try and fight for his future at the club, and he could be a surprise option to start ahead of Saka, and provide some additional creativity on the wing, with his strong left-foot potentially of use against Wolves.
