JUST NOW:Arteta has hinted at Saka injury solution for Arsenal vs Man City clash



Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has already hinted at how he plans to replace Bukayo Saka if the winger misses out on the clash against Manchester City on Sunday. The youngster is currently a doubt for the match over the weekend following another set of injury concerns.

The 22-year-old was left limping after the North London Derby with Tottenham, but quickly made his return against Bournemouth the following week. Yet another concern saw him substituted in the victory over the Cherries, but he showed his resilience to be available once again for the Champions League.

There would be no shaking of those injury worries though as Saka had to be withdrawn once again in the RC Lens defeat in midweek. It leaves further worries over whether he will be fit for the match with Man City, given how important it could be in deciding the Premier League title race.

Saka is claimed to be having a scan on Thursday to check the extent of the issue, believed to be a slight hamstring concern. The Gunners are monitoring whether the winger will be fit, who is yet to be ruled out, but could face a few weeks on the sidelines in a worst case scenario.

Should the turnaround be too quick, Arteta will have to make some big decisions on which players will replace him by Sunday afternoon. There are a few options, but the Spaniard may have already hinted that Reiss Nelson could well be the man that takes the role.

The Hale Ender has had a knack for scoring off the bench but is yet to get his opportunity to shine in the first team on a consistent basis. The Arsenal boss has cited his availability as a key attribute in a recent press conference, saying: "Firstly, availability. To find consistency you need to be available.

"If you miss periods, your peak form is going to be disrupted and then you’re going to have less chances to play. He had a niggle in pre-season, was out, and now is finding form. We need him. He has special qualities to play in wide areas - both positions - and especially with the situation we have now with the front players he is going to be really important."

It remains to be seen whether he will be rewarded with the opportunity to play in the possible absence of Saka, but it could be a chance to claim the role with both hands.

Post a Comment

0 Comments