Arsenal only have themselves to blame for Saka problem ahead of Bournemouth

Women's Super League preview | Football Digest

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta might be guilty of causing a big problem for both himself and Bukayo Saka ahead of this weekend’s Premier League test against Bournemouth. The winger has emerged as one of Arsenal’s most important players in recent years and is regularly among the first names on the team sheet.

Saka was not at his brilliant best against Tottenham last time around but still managed to influence the result, with his early strike towards goal being deflected in by the outstretched boot of Cristian Romero. The England ace then managed to double Arsenal’s tally from the penalty spot, but it was not enough to secure all three points as Spurs hit back to claim a 2-2 draw.

Arteta was always going to call on Saka against Tottenham last weekend, with the fixture representing his 86th successive Premier League appearance for the Gunners. While it is certainly impressive that Saka has been available for so many matches, his continued selection has raised concerns about how his body will cope in the long run.

Those fears were realised earlier this week when it emerged that Saka was carrying a foot injury, making him a doubt for this weekend’s game against Bournemouth. He was left out of Arsenal’s squad to face Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, with Arteta confirming that he did not train with his team-mates in advance of the match.

JUST IN: Man Utd given headache and Erik ten Hag makes telling decision in Palace win

“He was limping quite badly after the match,” the Spaniard told reporters on Tuesday. “We had to get him off the field. He hasn’t been able to participate in the session. It’s a possibility [that Saka will miss Bournemouth].”

Arsenal will be hoping for Saka to make a quick recovery, given his paramount importance to their hopes of mounting another Premier League title challenge. Meanwhile, the player himself will be desperate to avoid suffering the same fate as Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney, who both struggled with regular injury problems after racking up a huge number of first-team minutes as young players.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Don’t miss…
Chelsea snubbed James Maddison because of strange new Stamford Bridge rule[INSIGHT]
Phil Jones returns to Man Utd as axed defender ‘excited’ to pursue new role[NEWS]
Andros Townsend left in tears after Premier League club ‘rip contract away'[LATEST]

The Gunners were linked with the signing of another winger during the summer window in a bid to provide Saka with some additional cover on the flanks. No such deal ended up materialising for Arsenal, though, leaving Saka as their only standout option in the position.

However, it seems as though Saka is not overly fazed by his heavy workload at Arsenal after insisting earlier this year that he is at his happiest when he is playing regular football. He said: “I’d say mentally, I’m just happy to be on the pitch.

“If I put it to you this way: would I rather be injured or on the pitch, I want to be on the pitch. If I ask myself when I was younger where I would want to be, and it was on the pitch playing for Arsenal every week competing at the highest level, I’d take it, so I’m happy.” He will hope that he’s back at full fitness as soon as possible, then.

Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our Facebook group by clicking here.

Source: Read Full Article