Mikel Arteta has hit back at any suggestion that Bukayo Saka was not injured during the international break.(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has responded to critics questioning Bukayo Saka’s commitment to England, stating he would “send an MRI scan” to prove the winger suffered an injury during this month’s international break.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta firmly addressed any doubts regarding Bukayo Saka’s recent injury after the Gunners’ impressive 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Saka, who had withdrawn from England duty due to a groin issue, returned to action with a stellar performance, scoring the opening goal and assisting another.
Following the match, Arteta was quick to defend Saka against any skepticism about his injury. He emphasized the transparency and communication between Arsenal’s medical team and the England national team, stating, “We can send an MRI scan, it’s very simple. He hasn’t done anything, he was away and needed time to heal”. Arteta’s comments were aimed to debunks any rumors that Saka might have been fit to play for England but chose not to.
Despite his recent injury concerns, Saka showcased his resilience and talent by opening the scoring for Arsenal within the first 15 minutes of the match. His performance was instrumental in Arsenal’s dominant win, which also saw goals from Thomas Partey and young talent Ethan Nwaneri. Arteta praised Saka’s commitment and ability to perform under pressure, highlighting the winger’s importance to the team.
Arteta also took the opportunity to commend the overall team performance, particularly the contributions of Martin Odegaard, who played a crucial role in the victory. “Without this kind of player in the team, it was always quiet. When he’s in the team, you can sense something that is different,” Arteta remarked. The synergy between Saka and Odegaard were evident, with their on-field chemistry contributing significantly to Arsenal’s success.
With this win, Arsenal continues to build momentum in their Premier League campaign. Arteta’s firm stance on Saka’s injury and his praise for the team’s performance reflect a manager confident in his squad’s abilities and their potential for the season ahead.
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