As Arsenal prepares to face Nottingham Forest tomorrow, speculation surrounds the availability of star winger Bukayo Saka, whose fitness has been in question following a recent thigh injury. Despite being a pivotal player for Arsenal, Saka’s involvement remains uncertain after he returned to partial training on Friday.
Saka’s injury issues began before the international break when he was forced off early during Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea. His absence from England’s November fixtures further fueled concerns about his condition, with reports suggesting he had been dealing with a persistent thigh problem. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the situation, stating, “Bukayo had his first session today and looked very good. It was a partial session, so we will assess his readiness.” While this update is promising, the fact that he only participated partially in training raises doubts about whether he is fully match-fit.
Arteta now faces a tactical dilemma. While Nottingham Forest presents a challenge, Arsenal may have enough depth to secure a positive result without risking Saka. With the Champions League looming midweek, resting him might be the prudent choice to avoid exacerbating his injury. Arsenal boasts alternatives like Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard, who can step into attacking roles if Saka is unavailable or used sparingly as a substitute.
Rushing Saka back into action could jeopardize Arsenal’s long-term plans, especially with a packed fixture list ahead. Arteta has been known to prioritize player welfare, and the team will weigh the risks and benefits of Saka’s participation carefully.
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