Bukayo Saka is an injury doubt ahead of Arsenal’s game against Luton tonight (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Bukayo Saka’s minutes will need to be managed carefully during the course of Arsenal’s run-in, amid speculation he will be rested against Luton Town this evening.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed another stellar campaign and played a pivotal role in the Gunners bid to win the Premier League title and a maiden Champions League crown.
Saka has been a near ever-present for his side since the start of the campaign, but he has been hampered in recent weeks by a niggling injury.
After helping his side roar into a 5-0 lead against Sheffield United last month, Saka was substituted at half-time in order to give him a rest, but he subsequently struggled to make an impact in the matches against Brentford and Porto prior to the international break.
Saka was then forced to withdraw from the England squad ahead of the recent friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, but was fit enough to start against Manchester City in last Sunday’s top of the table clash.
Struggling with fatigue, Saka was taken off in the 78th minute and with a hectic schedule to contend with he could be afforded another rest with the struggling Hatters the opposition at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
‘Saka wasn’t with the national team because he was injured,’ said Arteta, who earlier on Tuesday suggested his star attacker was fit enough to feature against Luton.
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How should Arsenal line-up against Luton?
Mikel Arteta could be set to make several changes against Luton (Picture: Metro)
‘It was a muscular issue and then he trained very little, then he played and we had to take him off because the risk of reinjuring the player was pretty high. ‘
‘You have to manage a player like Bukayo.’
Concerns over Saka have partially been offset by the return to full fitness of Gabriel Martinelli, who made his return against City at the weekend.
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The Brazil international had been struggling with a deep cut he sustained against the Blades but Arteta insists he has made a full recovery.
‘He is [available to play for 90 minutes] because he was available to play against a really tough opponent and he certainly is today,’ said Arteta of Martinelli’s condition.
‘We will train today, see the state of every player and make the right decision on Wednesday.’