Arsenal’s victory over Manchester City was made all the more satisfying as a result of Bukayo Saka’s absence.
Mikel Arteta’s game plan was somewhat cautious in the absence of his superstar winger, but City, too, were hampered by injuries and suspensions. A mightily tight contest ensued with Gabriel Jesus deputising for Saka down Arsenal’s right. Jesus’ energy was infectious, but his decision-making let him down on occasions in the final third.
Nevertheless, a deflected Gabriel Martinelli strike ensured the Gunners ended their Premier League rut against Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens.
However, Gooners will be keen to see Saka back in action as soon as possible. While he perhaps hasn’t been at his very best to start 2023/24, the winger has still notched ten goal contributions in as many games. He’s evolving into an output machine.
So, when could Saka return to action?
Saka has been out of action since Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat in Lens with a hamstring injury. After he was eventually ruled out of the City game, Saka then withdrew from the England squad for their October fixtures.
“Bukayo Saka will play no part in England’s fixtures with Australia and Italy. The forward reported to St George’s Park on Monday alongside the rest of the Three Lions squad,” the FA wrote. “Saka was assessed by the England medical team and it was decided the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club.”
The winger’s injury isn’t believed to be serious, and Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly be keen to utilise him on Saturday evening against Chelsea. However, the Arsenal boss has to be careful given the knocks Saka has sustained this season. The 22-year-old was forced off against Tottenham and Bournemouth before his withdrawal in Lens.
Updates regarding Saka’s fitness have come few and far between over the break ahead of the trip to Chelsea.
As it stands, Saka is a doubt for Arsenal’s visit to Stamford Bridge, and, given his history, Arteta is set to be tight-lipped about his status throughout the week. The Gunners are also in Champions League action the following Tuesday as they travel to Sevilla in need of points.
Despite an extravagant summer transfer window – only Chelsea recorded a larger net spend than the Gunners in the Premier League – Arsenal are light on right-wing options.
Perhaps that oversight is borne out of Arteta’s firm faith in Saka’s durability – which has been backed up by a pristine injury record. In the recent absence of the England international, Saka’s replacements have been awkward fits.
Jesus gamely scurried up and down the wing against City but had his pressing impact limited when shifted out of the middle. Fabio Vieira meekly faded into the periphery as an emergency winger against Lens after Saka limped off.
Reiss Nelson, one of the few natural wingers in Arsenal’s squad, has been sparingly used this term, featuring in every matchday squad without yet getting a top-flight start. If Saka’s layoff does drag on, Arteta may be forced to turn to the perennial substitute.
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