Southgate explains Saka’s England call-up as Arsenal boss Arteta slammed

06 October 2023 , 03:00

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Arsenal face arguably their biggest test of the campaign this weekend as they host Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

The two sides were rivals for the Premier League title last term, only for the Gunners to falter late on. Ahead of the pair renewing their rivalry on Sunday, Mikel Arteta has been attempting to get his squad prepared.

While they will no doubt be keen to secure victory against last season’s treble winners, the North London side will also be aiming to get the midweek Champions League defeat to Lens out of their system. Take a look at everything making the headlines from a Gunners’ perspective ahead of the game...

Southgate ‘monitoring’ Saka

Both Mikel Arteta and Gareth Southgate have concerns over Bukayo Saka ahead of Sunday’s meeting. His first-half withdrawal in France during the defeat to Lens made it three consecutive games that the academy graduate has been taken off through injury.

Despite that, he was still named in the England squad for the upcoming break. Three Lions boss Southgate has revealed exactly why that is the case.

Pep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer

Speaking in a press conference, he said: “He's still being assessed as they've obviously got a big game this weekend and then there's another seven days before we play Australia and 10 days before we play Italy so everybody will monitor everything as we go forward."

Read the full story here

Bukayo Saka was injured during Arsenal's Champions League defeat to Lens (Getty Images)

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Arteta slammed for Saka treatment

On the topic of Saka, Gunners head coach Arteta has copped some severe criticism for not affording the winger a rest this season from Gabriel Agbonlahor. Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Aston Villa forward said: "The biggest game of the season on Sunday against a Manchester City side that have got key players injured, and you still didn't rest him against Bournemouth.

“He wasn't even the first player to be taken off. He played 76 minutes, a game they were comfortable in.

"As a manager, you stop the player and say, 'No, I know you wanna play every game and don't wanna come off. You've got to manage your load because you're playing too many games'."

Read his thoughts in full here

Saliba makes “painful” admission

One man who finally appears to be over his injury woes is William Saliba. Ahead of this weekend’s clash with Man City, the Frenchman has admitted that it was “painful” watching his side’s title challenge fall apart during his time on the sidelines.

He said: “Of course it was really painful because I watched my team play every game, the most important part of the season, and I was not able to play. Of course it hurt me. Of course I could have helped my team to maybe win the Premier League but we never know.”

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