Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed the reason why Bukayo Saka was dropped to the bench for Saturday's Premier League clash with Leeds United.
Saka has played an important role in the Gunners' superb performances this season. The 21-year-old has scored 13 and assisted a further ten goals in all competitions and has been in the best form of his career.
However, after featuring twice for England over the international break, the Hale Ender could only make the bench for this afternoon's game with Leeds. In his place, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus made-up Arteta's attack.
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Before the game, Arteta was quizzed on the decision to name Saka on the bench. He said:“He wasn’t able to train yesterday as he wasn’t well but today he feels a little bit better, so we’ve put Gabby [Jesus] in.
"He brings a lot of energy, quality, movement & chaos. He’s a player we’ve been missing & it’s good to have him back.”
Elsewhere, Rob Holding partners Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence in place of William Saliba. There is also the much-welcomed sight of Thomas Partey in midfield as he missed Ghana's game with Angola earlier this week.
Saka joins Matt Turner, Jakub Kiwior, Kieran Tierney, Reuell Walters, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson on the substitute's bench.
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