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Ian Wright says there is something “fundamentally wrong” at Arsenal for Bukayo Saka to continue to be chosen on the side.
The 19-year-old has always been around for the Gunners this season, making 11 appearances in all competitions, and only three players have played more.
Saka’s absence was clearly noticeable during Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Leeds, as Arsenal struggled to create real opportunities ahead of their early substitute introduction.
The youngster had started on the bench after a busy international spell, in which he appeared in all three England games, and Wright believes Saka would have a break if it weren’t for Arsenal’s troubles.
“He’s our most creative player at 19,” the former Gunners forward told the Wrighty’s House podcast.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“When you look at it like that, there is something fundamentally wrong when you have to play so often to help a team like Arsenal win.
“Even more so when we see that Mesut Ozil couldn’t get a squad number.
“We are asking a 19-year-old to come off the bench, he has just played three games for England and is now injured. That’s already too much pressure. “
Saka only made his way into Arsenal’s senior team last season, but he is already a key member of Mikel Arteta’s team.
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However, her manager is well aware of the risks of overexposing Saka to first-team action as she has already voiced her exhaustion fears.
“Obviously, he’s a 19-year-old boy and he’s played a lot of soccer in the last few months and we have to protect him,” Arteta said last week.
However, Saka hardly complains about the amount of opportunities she has at the top level.
“It’s many minutes, but as a child this is what you dream of,” he told the Independent. “I just have to trust that the people in charge will handle me the right way and continue to help me thrive and progress as a player.”
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(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
And Arteta apparently has little choice but to play him, given that Arsenal have not scored once in open play in their last five Premier League games.
While Wright’s words will serve as a stark warning, just days ago the expert was urging that Saka be included in all games.
After Saka was substituted against Leeds, Wright said: “Hopefully it’s not so bad with the injury because we need him. You can see that. We need that guy.”
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