Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been warned against over-playing Bukayo Saka this season as fears are raised over the sheer number of minutes being played by the England star. Saka is set for another busy season in north London, with the Gunners expected to challenge for four trophies.
The 22-year-old is one of Arteta’s most trusted players and has featured prominently under the Spaniard. Only injuries tend to prevent him from playing 90 minutes in every game.
But there have been fears that Saka is being exposed to too much football and could be at risk of injuries in the future. Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has insisted that Saka needs rest to ensure he does not burn out.
“I worry for Arsenal if Saka gets tired or injured,” O’Hara told Grosvenor Sport. “He’s playing a lot of minutes and a huge number of games, not just for Arsenal but for England too, and he will need some rest eventually. He’s a young lad who’s played a lot of football – you don’t want him to burn out at his age.
“He’s featured in the Euros, had a couple of weeks off and now back playing again. You have to be careful with these young players and manage their minutes, especially with Arsenal competing in four competitions again.”
Saka scored and provided an assist as Arsenal defeated Wolves 2-0 to open their Premier League campaign on Saturday. O’Hara believes he is one of the best wingers in world football and backs him to even get into Real Madrid’s star-studded attack, which includes Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
“Saka is definitely up there with the best wingers in the world, you can’t get away with that fact. He’s probably in the same league as the likes of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.
“In fact, I think he’d get into Real Madrid’s starting XI if he was there – he’d probably play over Rodrygo. He was brilliant once again for Arsenal against Wolves on Saturday.
“He’s a top player for both club and country. He’s got that sharp move inside and knows where the goal is. That assist he got for Kai Havertz last weekend was brilliant as well and he’s going to be a star player again this season.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal could be primed for some late transfer business before the August 30 deadline. The Gunners have been strongly linked with Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, while there is reported interest in Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman.
