Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained that Bukayo Saka was substituted in the Gunners’ 6-0 Premier League win at Sheffield United on Monday night due to sickness.
The 22-year-old Anglo-Nigerian was replaced by Fabio Vieira at the start of the second half at Bramall Lane which took some fans by surprise.
Arsenal scored five goals in the first half of which Saka assisted for Jayden Bogle’s own goal and Declan Rice’s goal.
Saka has now recorded 50+ goals and 50 assists, becoming the sixth player to achieve that feat since November 2018 after Mohamed Salah, Son Heung-min, Bruno Fernandes, Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne.
Arteta stated that Saka’s substitution was a good chance for players who were just returning from injury to feature.
“He [Saka] was feeling a bit sick and as well we have Fabio who we have to give minutes. It was great opportunity [for us] and then we had a little issue with Gabi Martinelli as well, he had a slight cut on his foot and we have to wait and see how he is,” Arteta said.
50 – Bukayo Saka now has 50 assists for Arsenal in all competitions, becoming just the sixth Premier League player to register at least 50 goals (54) and 50 assists since November 2018 after Mohamed Salah, Son Heung-min, Bruno Fernandes, Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne. Star. pic.twitter.com/uZcvWCwUsb
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 4, 2024
One of the players to come off the bench after returning from injury was Thomas Partey.
The Ghana midfielder was back in action for the first time since November when he was out with hamstring injury.
Arteta is now hoping the 30-year-old can get more minutes and work his way back into the starting XI.
“Today obviously Thomas is available now to play a certain number of minutes. He needs to build that, because it was his first minutes after four months which is a long time. And then, like everybody, you need to have the right to earn the minutes,” Arteta explained.
Arsenal remain in third place on the table and are two points behind leaders Liverpool.
They will tackle reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, who occupy second place and are a point ahead of the Gunners.
