Arsenal have stepped up Bukayo Saka’s recovery plan with the winger now back in short training sessions, but the message coming out of London Colney is clear, the club will not gamble ahead of the Manchester City clash.
Nottingham Forest game not worth the risk for Bukayo Saka?
Saka will be assessed further in the coming days, with tests lined up to see if he can return against Nottingham Forest. But with Arsenal almost certain to win that game without him, the medical team and Mikel Arteta are expected to play it safe.
The real target is Manchester City. Saka himself has told staff he wants to be ready for the Etihad showdown, making it his top priority after missing the last two matches.
The emergence of Noni Madueke has changed the entire equation. The former Chelsea winger impressed massively against Leeds and Liverpool, proving he can hold down the right flank in Saka’s absence. His performances mean Arteta doesn’t need to rush Saka back into the side, no matter how much the Hale End graduate is pushing for minutes.
Eyes on Guardiola & Man City
Arsenal know that to beat City, they need their star boy fit and firing. Arteta is managing the situation carefully, and unless something changes drastically, the plan is simple: no Forest, all focus on City.
Saka has built his reputation on stepping up in the biggest games, and there’s no bigger test than Pep Guardiola’s champions. Don’t be surprised if he’s back in the starting XI when it matters most.
