Bukayo Saka could feature in the clash against Manchester City on Sunday, October 8, 2023, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Saka was substituted in the 34th minute of the Gooners encounter against RC Lens due to a muscle injury.
Bukayo Saka has played in Arsenal’s last 87 Premier League matches, and Arteta has confirmed that he could continue that run in the clash against Manchester City.
Saka’s 87-match league run is a club-record streak that existed for about 26 years before it was broken by the Englishman.
The 21-year-old broke the record of Paul Merson which was set in February 1997, after featuring in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Fulham on August 26, 2023.
Merson set the previous club record by making 82 consecutive league appearances from February 1995 till February 1997.
Bukayo Saka in contention to start against Manchester City
Speaking on the Englishman’s availability for the game on Sunday, October 8, 2023, Mikel Arteta said:
“He is in contention, we’ll see how he progresses from here to Sunday.”
The Spaniard also shared that Arsenal would continue to assess the fitness of Bukayo Saka ahead of the clash on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
The 41-year-old coach said: “Obviously he had to leave the pitch [against RC Lens], that’s never good news, but let’s see how he recovers.”
Saka’s possible availability for the game against Pep Guardiola’s side will come as a massive boost for the Gooners, given the wingers’ capabilities on the left flank.
The 21-year-old was menacing in attack for Arsenal last term, helping the club in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
He scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 38 league appearances for the North London club last term, even though his efforts were not crowned with that top-flight title.
Bukayo Saka has also had an impressive start to the 2023/24 season, scoring 5 goals and providing 5 assists in 10 league appearances.
Saka was also included in England’s squad for their upcoming friendly with Australia and their Euro 2024 clash against Italy.
Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka’s inclusion in England’s squad for their upcoming matches
Speaking on the 21-year-old’s inclusion in the squad, Mikel Arteta said he would have no influence in the decision of Bukayo Saka regarding his national team career.
Arteta said: “He needs to make the best decision for the national team. I’m not going to get involved there.”
The winger has earned 30 caps for England, scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists across all competitions.
Saka has made the right wing spot in the starting lineup of Arsenal his own, due to his outstanding performances in recent seasons.
He made his debut for the Gooners on January 1, 2019, aged 17, under the tutelage of Unai Emery.
Bukayo Saka has been named Arsenal’s player of the season on two occasions, notably; the 2020/21 and 2021/22 season.
