Why was Bukayo Saka absent from the Arsenal vs Luton Town game?

Arsenal fans were left dumbfounded by a Mikel Arteta statement regarding a Bukayo Saka injury which saw the striker miss Arsenal vs Luton Town. 

A concerning Bukayo Saka injury leaves fans worried

Speaking to TNT ahead of Arsenal’s game against Luton Town, Mikel Arteta set red sirens blaring all over London as he omitted starman Saka from the squad and issued a Bukayo Saka injury update. The gaffer said, “ Bukayo Saka had to come off against City three days ago feeling something and he hasn’t been able to do everything that we needed to give him the chance to start the game. So we have decided not to play him”. The Bukayo Saka injury update worried fans as the winger was seen practicing with the squad just last evening and seemed to be in good touch. 

While Arsenal seem positive about the Bukayo Saka injury, fans will be worried about his absence as the club trails Liverpool in the English Premier League title challenge. The English forward has been fundamental to the Gunners’ title charge as he has accumulated an impressive 21 G/A in 28 games in the league. If the winger is absent for a prolonged period, Arsenal will certainly struggle in keeping their title race on track. 

Earlier the Bukayo Saka injury had seen the winger being subbed off in Arsenal’s tie against Man City due to discomfort. He had also been taken off the field in his previous game in the March international break for England with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. However, the star man was cleared for the City game and looked comfortable before he was withdrawn in the second half. Now it remains to be seen when the winger will return, but Arsenal seem positive about the minor nature of the injury. 

Bukayo Saka injury enables a rare Reiss Nelson start for Arsenal:

In a surprising move as  Mikel Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka’s exclusion from the squad against Luton Town, the gaffer amused fans even further as he handed winger Reiss Nelson a rare start on the right wing in the absence of Saka. Arteta’s decision to start Nelson against Luton Town saw the 24 year old winger earn his first start of the campaign in the English Premier League and marked his first start in the league since the 19/20 campaign. The youngster has been plagued by injuries in the last few years and has struggled to return to his level best. He will certainly look to make the most of the opportunity offered to him by Arteta. 

Also Read: Arsenal Set to Rewrite Premier League History with Record-Breaking Performance Against Luton Town