Scotland v England: In pictures
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has reportedly been playing through a ‘nagging’ injury since last season, it has been claimed. The winger was a substitute for England’s 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday and the reason why his minutes were managed has emerged.
Many might have expected Saka to start the clash given Gareth Southgate picked a relatively strong team. The 21-year-old has solidified his place as England’s first-choice right-winger over the last year.
However, Phil Foden started instead and scored the Three Lions’ first goal. Saka appeared for the final 20 minutes as England cruised to a comfortable victory.
The Arsenal academy graduate was also taken off late in England’s 1-1 draw with Ukraine. It has now emerged why Southgate carefully managed the player’s game time during the international break.
READ MORE: Man Utd and Arsenal duo backed to flop as Liverpool star named best new signing[LATEST]
According to the Daily Mail, Saka has been ‘nagged’ by an achilles problem since last season. The problem has caused him an issue since the previous campaign.
It has not prevented Saka from being in fine form over the last two years. He scored 15 goals in all competitions during the 2022-23 season, helping Arsenal finish second in the Premier League.
Saka already has two strikes in four matches this term. He is almost certain to be a key player for England at Euro 2024 next summer.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has urged the forward to ensure he learns how to deal with the strengthening expectations and attention from the media. The Spaniard advised Saka not to read too much into what people say about him.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
DON’T MISS…
Arsenal star Smith Rowe urged to copy Nketiah by sending message to Arteta[LATEST]
Mikel Arteta gesture left Declan Rice ‘hiding’ and denied him special treatment[NEWS]
Arsenal injury round-up and expected return dates as Mikel Arteta without thr…[ROUND-UP]
“He’s going to have to deal with expectations of the media, with attention on the pitch,” Arteta said at the end of last season. “When you want to fulfil a role like the one he has at the moment, you need to be capable of doing that. So don’t read too much, don’t listen too much, just focus on what you have to do every day. That’s it.
“The way he talks to people, how he behaves, how he treats people, that’s because he has been raised like that.
“He still has a lot of things to improve and a lot of things to maintain. Before he wasn’t able to do that. So he needs to continue to maintain those things and elevate the level of other things that he can still do better.”
Source: Read Full Article