INSIDE THE ARSENAL CAMP: Arteta reveals he has spoken to Southgate

10/06/2023 Soccer

INSIDE THE ARSENAL CAMP: Bukayo Saka cleared to play despite Champions League injury… as Mikel Arteta reveals he has spoken to Gareth Southgate about his issue

  • Saka was named in the England squad this week despite ongoing injury issues
  • He is set to face Manchester City on Sunday despite hobbling off in midweek
  • Arteta insisted Southgate should do what he thinks is best for his England side

Mikel Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka is still in contention for Sunday’s monster clash against Manchester City — despite being forced off the pitch in his last three matches.

The winger hobbled off in the 34th minute during the 2-1 defeat at Lens on Tuesday, having previously departed early after suffering knocks against Tottenham and Bournemouth. But the Arsenal manager wants to give Saka every chance of facing City.

It follows the 22-year-old’s inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s England squad on Thursday, and Arteta has spoken to the Three Lions boss. He said: ‘He’s in contention, let’s see how he progresses from here to Sunday. He had to leave the pitch, that’s never good news, but let’s see how he recovers.

‘I’ve spoken to Gareth on several occasions. He needs to make the best decision for the national team. I’m not going to get involved.’

The FA are considering a compromise over Saka’s involvement with England, which could see him rested for the game with Australia on Friday before returning for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy on the following Tuesday.

Tomorrow’s fixture is the first between the two sides since the Gunners’ win over City on penalties in August’s Community Shield, when Erling Haaland did not have a single shot. And Arteta said: ‘We have enough physicality in the backline to deal with those players — we have to prove it on Sunday.’

Bukayo Saka is in contention for Arsenal’s game against Manchester City on Sunday despite getting injured in midweek

He was named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming internationals despite the issue

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (pictured) revealed he has spoken to Southgate on several occasions and that ‘he needs to make the best decision for the national team’

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