Arsenal: Mikel Arteta issues explanation behind fresh Bukayo Saka injury fears

Gunners winger failed to make it through 90 minutes having only trained once before Man City clash

Mikel Arteta has revealed Bukayo Saka trained just once before Arsenal’s title showdown with Manchester City.

Saka was forced to withdraw from the England squad last week ahead of friendlies against Brazil and Belgium due to a minor muscle issue.

The winger started at the Etihad on Sunday, however, as Arsenal played out a 0-0 draw with City.

Arteta has explained, though, that Saka was only able to train just once before the game as he has been feeling the problem for a few weeks.

Saka struggled to make an impact and came off with 12 minutes to go for Gabriel Martinelli, and Arteta confirmed post-game that he could not play the whole match.

“As you know he’s been out for a few weeks now with a little problem,” he said.

“He was feeling that fatigue. Right now he hasn’t trained. He trained just one day before the match. He made a big contribution, but 90 minutes was a lot today.”

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