Mikel Arteta says he’ll know later today whether Bukayo Saka is fit for Saturday’s match at Brighton but he’s keenly aware of the winger’s excitement at making a decisive impact during the business end of the season.
After sitting out two England friendlies, the 22-year-old played 78 minutes of Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City and was then given a breather on Wednesday against Luton. While it’s no secret Saka is nursing a few niggles and knocks, the boss doesn’t seem overly concerned by the situation.
Asked whether Saka will be available for tomorrow’s clash on the South Coast, Arteta said: “We will know with our training session in a few hours, and we will know whether he’s fit or not.”
Later, when pressed on whether he has any concerns over his star player’s fitness, there was a slightly sarcastic response – “I think he’s going to fly and be so decisive” – followed by something more optimistic in tone.
“Yeah, I think because he’s so strong,” said Arteta about Saka’s ability to bounce back from injury.
“Also how much he wants it when you talk to him and how excited he is about what is coming.
“He wants to be there and he’s getting better and better. And it’s normal. You have little niggles, you have kicks. He’s gone through a lot of that in the last two or three years and look at the way he’s performing.”
Arteta confirmed that the Gunners have no other injury issues following the win against Luton – only Jurrien Timber remains sidelined – and he was pleased with the way they came through the midweek test.
“I was very pleased with the result, the performance and the fact that everybody responded in the way that we expected,” he said/
“When you make changes, obviously there is this possibility because they haven’t played that much, but I think the boys were really, really good.”
Brighton have proved difficult opponents for the Gunners in recent years and while their league form hasn’t been as eye-catching as last year, Arteta remains a huge fan of Roberto De Zerbi’s work at the Amex. The Italian coach continues to produce swashbuckling teams despite the Seagulls regularly selling their best talent.
“Yes, [I’m] very impressed. He’s a top manager, they have top coaching staff, I think they are an unbelievable football club. What they’ve done deserves incredible credit. The way they run the football club, the decisions they have made and how they have established themselves in the league and now fighting with the top clubs as well.
“I think they’ve done a magnificent job and I think Roberto has given a very clear style and attractive way of playing football and they make life very, very difficult for the opponent.”
April is a tough run of matches, but this season with practically a full squad available which definitely makes us stronger and with a better chance in the PL. Hope Saka is truly fit without any niggles to slow him down.
Saka needs a better backup than Nelson next season, someone to lighten the immense load on his shoulders. Could be Jesus if we sign a new striker.
Absolutely, and we do have Havertz! Would love to see Saka and Jesus sharing the right wing position. Then you can have Havertz and Jesus sharing the striker role and Martinelli and Trossard sharing the left. We’ve all probably got our own opinions on which exact combination of that would be “first team” but it is flexible and let’s each player get some rest.
Tricky game up next against a team that plays on the front foot at home given they haven’t lost there since last August, could play in to our hands as our defence looks solid, would like to see Martinelli, Jesus & Saka back in line up to counter at speed to what they do, every game now is a must win, lets do our job 1st ..