Arteta admits he was 'tempted to risk' Saka against Arsenal

10/08/2023 Soccer

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he was ‘tempted to risk’ Bukayo Saka in crucial clash with title rivals Man City

  • Arsenal are currently drawing 0-0 with Man City in a top of the table clash
  • Mikel Arteta has admitted he was ‘tempted’ to pick the injured Bukayo Saka
  • Follow Mail Sport’s live coverage as Arsenal take on Man City at the Emirates 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he was ‘tempted’ to pick Bukayo Saka to face Man City despite the winger carrying an injury.

Saka, who had played a club record 87 Premier League games in a row before Saturday’s title-top clash, picked up a muscular problem during a Champions League against Lens in the week.

The 22-year-old has been left out for the game, with Leandro Trossard starting in his place on the right wing.

Arteta admitted he considered taking a chance on his star player before the game, as he told Sky Sports: ‘He [Saka] felt something, then obviously you are tempted to risk him. 

‘But he wasn’t able to train yesterday so that put him out of the game straight away. It is [a big blow]. But we know we lost players in recent weeks and we have adapted to it. 

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted he was ‘tempted’ to pick the injured Bukayo Saka for Sunday’s clash with Man City

The winger picked up a muscle injury during Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League loss to Lens

‘He’s a really important player for us, no question about that. The team has to have the resources that we have to make it even without him.’

The champions are also without some of their most important players for the game, with absentees Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne leaving a sizable whole in their midfield. 

It comes in a rare moment of poor form for Man City, who have lost their last two domestic games against Newcastle and Wolves.

Arsenal come into the game as one of two unbeaten sides in the league, but are a point behind Pep Guardiola’s side after draws against Tottenham and Fulham.

They did suffer something of an upset on Tuesday as Lens beat them 2-1 in a Champions League tie they were widely expected to win.

The Gunners clash with City is currently level at 0-0 in a very loud Emirates Stadium. 

Arsenal are currently drawing 0-0 with Man City in a match that will see the winner go top


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