Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted to Football London that he is considering dropping Bukayo Saka against Leeds United on Sunday.
Saka played in all three of England’s game over the international break, meaning he has played a great deal of football recently.
The youngster, who was hailed as brilliant by England boss Gareth Southgate (Metro), also started in Arsenal’s last game against Aston Villa.
And Arteta feels that making Saka play his fifth game in the space of 15 games may not be wise, so he needs to asses the teenager’s condition.
“I have to see him today how he’s looking and how he’s feeling,” Arteta said.
“He’s a 19 year old kid whose played a lot of football in the past few months.
“I understand from Gareth’s point of view he had the injury of Chilwell. He probably didn’t plan to give him that many minutes but the circumstances forced him to do it. From my side it’s not ideal but if I’m in Gareth’s shoes I’d probably have done the same.
“It is what it is let’s try to get him fit and recovered and see how he is for Sunday.”
If Saka isn’t fit enough to start for Arsenal that will be a blow, as Sead Kolasinac is also unavailable.
The Gunners will likely have to play Kieran Tierney at left-back, which will create an opening in their team in central defence.
Arsenal are under pressure to pick up the three points on Sunday, as they are currently stuck in 11th place in the Premier League table, after a disappointing opening to their campaign.
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