Mikel Arteta has admitted he was “tempted to risk” playing Bukayo Saka in Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City.
The Gunners go into the match at the Emirates looking for their first League win over City since 2015, with Pep Guardiola’s side completely dominating the fixture over recent seasons.
Arsenal have to do it without Saka too, ending his run of 87 consecutive appearances in the League, after he was unable to shake off injury in time to make the squad.
The winger limped off in the first-half against Lens in the Champions League midweek, with Arteta revealing Saka was unable to train in the build-up to the City match as he explained the decision to leave his star man out.
“He felt something then obviously you’re tempted to risk him,” Arteta told Sky Sports.
“But he wasn’t able to train yesterday so that put him out of the game. It is [a blow] but we’ve lost players in recent weeks and had to adapt to it.
“He’s an important player for us, no question about that, but the team has to use the resources we have.”
