Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta, has responded to claims questioning the authenticity of Bukayo Saka’s injury that led to his early exit from the England squad.
Bukayo Saka was one of the initial eight players from England who withdrew from Lee Carsley’s latest squad for the recent matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, a number that eventually increased to nine.
Following a period of rest and recovery, the winger shone as Arsenal returned to winning form when Premier League action resumed against Nottingham Forest. Saka scored a spectacular opening goal, assisted Thomas Partey for the second, and was a constant threat throughout the match.
Given Saka’s impressive performance shortly after being declared unfit for international duty, a reporter questioned Arteta about the injury that had sidelined him.
Arteta defends Saka’s recent absence for England
“We can send the MRI scan, very simple,” the Arsenal manager replied. “But that’s a communication that was very clear between the medical staff of Arsenal and the national team. He hasn’t done anything. He was away and he needed time to heal. He’s done one training session.”
This wasn’t the first instance of Arteta being accused of dishonesty regarding Saka’s fitness, with the criticism intensifying after Oleksandr Zinchenko disclosed that the manager is willing to use mind games when it comes to injury concerns.
The widespread player withdrawals from the England squad faced significant criticism, with some even oddly placing blame on incoming manager Thomas Tuchel.
Harry Kane, captain of the Three Lions, was one of the prominent figures raising concerns about the number of players withdrawing.
“[Gareth] Southgate brought the joy to play for England back,” said Kane. “Every camp people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England and that’s the most important thing.”
“I think England comes before anything. England comes before club, it is the most important thing as a professional footballer. Gareth was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players.”
Having scored and set up a goal at the weekend against Nottingham Forest, Bukayo Saka will be looking to continue his impressive form against a high-flying Sporting CP in the Champions League. The Gunners last lost to Inter Milan in their last outing on the continent and will be eager to return to winning ways.
