Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is reluctant to rest Bukayo Saka. Saka recently returned from an injury layoff, which kept him out of action for three months. The Gunners are all set to take on Crystal Palace and if they lose, Liverpool will be crowned as Premier League champions.
Despite the Premier League title all but out of Arsenal’s grasp, Arteta is not in the mood to rest Saka. Arsenal are also preparing for the UEFA Champions League semifinal clash against Paris Saint-Germain after eliminating the defending champions Real Madrid. Arteta’s team registered an aggregate win of 5-1 against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
“We cannot think in those terms, when the players are fit and available and want to play, they have to play,” Arteta told a news conference on Wednesday.
“They are at their best when they are playing and they have consistency in their performances and physically and emotionally they are good. They have the rhythm and that is when they are at their best.
“If they are not available, there is no discussion. If they are not in a good condition to perform we are not going to play them. But if they are we will play them.”
Saka has 25 goal contributions across 30 appearances in all competitions this season. He also scored in the second leg of the quarterfinal clash against the Los Blancos after missing the Panenka chip from a spot kick.
Saka also received a nasty challenge from Leif Davis while playing against Ipswich Town during the weekend.
When asked on if he’s fit to play Palace, Arteta said: “We have to wait and see now how he reacts after the [training] session, but it’s nothing too serious.
“If we want to [select him], I think we’ll have a good chance to play tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Jorginho has suffered a rib injury, which would keep him on the sidelines for a few weeks.
“I think Jorginho will be out for a few weeks,” Arteta said.
“I hope so, but I’m not certain [if he will play again this season]. We have to see how he evolves in the next few days,” he added.
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