In the absence of his star winger, Mikel Arteta’s game strategy was rather cautious, but City was also constrained by injuries and bans. A very close game followed, with Gabriel Jesus filling in for Saka down Arsenal’s right. Although Jesus had contagious enthusiasm, there were times in the final third when his judgment fell short.
Nevertheless, the Gunners’ Premier League drought against Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens was broken by a deflected Gabriel Martinelli goal.
Gooners will want to see Saka back in action as quickly as possible, though. The winger has contributed to ten goals in just as many games even if he may not have been at his best to open 2023–24. He’s becoming more and more of an output machine.
So, when might Saka resume combat?
When will Bukayo Saka make a recovery from his wound?
Saka has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Arsenal’s 2-1 loss in Lens. Saka later withdrew from the England team for their October matches after being ultimately determined to be ineligible for the City game.
“Bukayo Saka won’t participate in England’s games against Italy and Australia. Along with the rest of the Three Lions team, the forward arrived at St. George’s Park on Monday, according to a statement from the FA. “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 is not thought to be significant, and Mikel Arteta will surely want to use him against Chelsea on Saturday night. Given the injuries Saka has had this year, the Arsenal manager must exercise caution. Prior to his withdrawal in Lens, the 22-year-old was forced off against Tottenham and Bournemouth.
Saka’s fitness updates have been scarce over the break in advance of the trip to Chelsea.
As things stand, Saka is a question mark for Arsenal’s trip to Stamford Bridge, and given his past, Arteta plans to keep quiet about his condition all week. The following Tuesday, the Gunners head to Sevilla for a Champions League match while still in need of points.
Arsenal’s potential Bukayo Saka replacements
Arsenal lacks options for the right wing despite a lavish summer transfer window that saw only Chelsea record a higher net expenditure than the Gunners in the Premier League.
That error may have resulted from Arteta’s unwavering belief in Saka’s durability, which has been supported by a spotless injury record. The alternatives for Saka during the recent absence of the England international have been uncomfortable.
Jesus bravely scampered up and down the wing against City, but when pushed out of the centre, his pressing influence was reduced. After Saka hobbled off, Fabio Vieira resignedly retreated to the sidelines as an emergency winger for Lens.
Reiss Nelson, one of the team’s few natural wingers, hasn’t started a single game in the Premier League this season despite being included in every matchday squad. If Saka’s termination does continue, Arteta might be compelled to rely on the go-to stand-in.
