Arsenal are sweating over Bukayo Saka’s fitness.
The Gunners visit Manchester United on Thursday night but there’s a question mark over their 20-year-old winger.
Saka came off injured in the win over Newcastle United last weekend, after firing Arsenal ahead at the Emirates Stadium.
And boss Mikel Arteta says that he’s ‘hopeful’ the England international will be available, but says it’s up to the player whether he wants to play with a ‘little injury’ or not.
He told Football London: “We have a doubt with Bukayo and a few other knocks we had from Newcastle. I am hopeful but we don’t know. It’s a really short turnaround.
“The player has to be comfortable playing with a little injury.”
Is Bukayo Saka fit?
Well it seems Arteta might be planning to field him even if he isn’t 100 percent fit, going by these comments.
But really, is it worth the risk? The answer is a resounding ‘no’.
Between now and January 1, Arsenal have no fewer than nine games in all competitions – eight in the Premier League, one in the Carabao Cup.
And honestly, it seems silly for Arteta to risk Saka if he isn’t absolutely fine.
Rotation will be key for the Spanish coach over the next month or so and he doesn’t want to lose a player of Saka’s influence on a gamble.
Not having him available would negatively impact Arsenal’s chances of winning at Old Trafford, for sure.
Then again, exacerbating whatever issue he’s struggling with by starting him then jeopardises the North Londoners’ entire month.
It isn’t worth the risk.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
