Arsenal have now received an update on the condition of Bukayo Saka after the winger returned from international duty early.
Arsenal are currently sweating on the fitness of Bukayo Saka.
Saka is a talismanic figure at the Emirates Stadium. He is named in the starting XI by Mikel Arteta week in, week out, and is the Gunners’ most productive attacker. So far this season, the 22-year-old has contributed 16 goals and 13 assists for the north London club, across 37 appearances in all competitions.
He is also a key player for England, and will be integral to Gareth Southgate’s plans for the upcoming EURO 2024 tournament. However, Saka will play no part for the Three Lions in the current international break.
Saka missed an England training session a few days ago. Then, on Friday, he pulled out of the England squad altogether due to a fitness issue, as reported by Sky Sports.
He has since returned to Arsenal.
The Gunners will be desperate for Saka to make a rapid recovery. Arsenal are set to take on Manchester City in an all-important Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium on March 31st. The outcome of that fixture could have a huge impact on the Premier League title race.
Arteta will be eager for Saka to be fit and available to start that game against Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions.
As reported by football.london, Saka is currently struggling with a “minor muscle problem”, and he was withdrawn from international duty as a “precautionary” measure. However, it is still not clear if he will be ready to return to action against Manchester City.
Saka is not the only player the Gunners may be without for that vital trip. Gabriel Magalhaes also pulled out of international duty due to a fitness issue. On top of that, Gabriel Martinelli is also struggling with a gash on his foot which he was recently seen using crutches due to.
Arsenal can beat Manchester City without Saka, as they did earlier this season, when the England star was unfit to face them upon their visit to the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are undoubtedly stronger with him on the pitch, though, and it will be a devastating blow to have to take on Manchester City away from home without him.
There has been plenty of debate this season about whether or not Saka ought to be considered a world-class player. It is huge games such as this one, and his ability to impact the outcome of them, that will settle that argument once and for all.
