Although Arsenal fans would have been delighted to see Bukayo Saka score two goals in two starts for England at the World Cup, fears of him picking up an injury or being overplayed remain in the minds of many.
The 21-year-old arrived in Qatar having started in all 14 Premier League matches for the Gunners this season, playing at least 80 minutes in 13 of those games. Saka was also the only Arsenal player to feature in all 38 league fixtures last season, starting 36 times.
Injury fears became a reality when Saka limped off in the first half against Nottingham Forest last month, although he did return for the wins at Chelsea and Wolves. Despite this, a combination of the unprecedented fixture schedule and Saka’s game time has seen concerns surrounding his fitness grow.
Mikel Arteta confirmed in May that the club would speak to national team managers including Englandboss Gareth Southgate to ensure Arsenal players like Saka are protected when on international duty.
“Yes, we are going to do that,” the Spaniard said. “We are going to talk to every manager that is responsible for our players – how they are thinking, show them what they have done, how we have done it and what we expect them to do in the future as well. Everything has to be connected and related to the aim of protecting the player and getting the best out of the player.”
Arteta will be pleased to know that Southgateappears to have listened and will ensure Saka gets a much-needed rest when England take on Wales in a huge clash this evening. According to the Telegraph, both Saka and Raheem Sterling will be rested, making way for Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden.
