Arsenal call could land Premier League title race advantage as Man City take opposite approach
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football.london has taken a look at one of the biggest Arsenal talking points as we head into the final international weekend of the Premier League
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka (Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has hit the headlines this week after the decision was made for the winger to return to the Emirates Stadium as a precaution.
football.london understands that Saka has a minor muscle problem which was deemed serious enough that he was not worth risking for this final round of international matches this season. News of the 22-year-old’s absence from the England squad has led to anger from some rival supporters who believe the winger will not be in any doubt to face Manchester City at the end of this month.
The Gunners’ approach to safeguarding one of their top players is entirely different to what Pep Guardiola’s team have decided. Their talisman Erling Haaland was an injury doubt after last weekend’s FA Cup victory over Newcastle United and footage from Norway’s training camp suggested he was struggling.
Despite this, he played 75 minutes in a friendly for the Scandinavian nation which they lost 2-1. Haaland appeared to come through the game unscathed but Mikel Arteta and England’s cautious approach could still be justified.
What football.london says: On the surface, Arsenal appears to be fully justified in withdrawing Saka from the England squad with such a crucial Premier League match on the horizon. The winger is almost guaranteed a place in the squad to travel to Germany in the summer but any injury at this stage would jeopardise not only Arsenal but the Three Lions. Choosing to withdraw from the squad makes total sense and it is surprising that City have not exercised this option themselves.
Haaland has struggled with niggling injuries this season so playing unnecessary minutes for a team who will not be at the European Championships seems a needless risk to take. There is no knowing what the extra time on the pitch could have done to the player’s overall fitness. Fine margins will define the clash between City and Arsenal next weekend and the decision to give Saka a free fortnight could be the difference between victory and defeat.
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