Arsenal have five players that Arteta can’t afford to treat like Saka

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Mikel Arteta has no plans to hand Bukayo Saka a rest anytime soon after drawing out his demands to help the 21-year-old stand among the world’s best. Saka has featured in all 15 of Arsenal’s games this season and will likely remain ever-present for whatever the Gunners achieve.

After Thursday’s win against PSV Eindhoven, Arteta said: “Look at the top players in the world. They play 70 matches every three days and make the difference and win the game. If you want to be at the top, you have to be able to do that. I want them to be ruthless every three days. I want them knocking on my door [saying], ‘I want to play. I want to win the game. There is no fitness coach in the world that is going to tell me that they cannot do it because I’ve seen it.”

However, there are undoubtedly crucial players in Arteta’s squad who he can’t have the same stance over without risking injury problems. Express Sport identifies five Arsenal stars whose minutes must be managed carefully throughout a hectic 2022/23 season.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Oleksandr Zinchenko was one of the standouts of Arteta’s side at the start of the campaign after joining from Manchester City, but he’s proven to be injury prone, missing 21 games since the start of last season. He’s currently out with a calf injury, so when he returns, Kieran Tierney must share the workload.

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Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey has also suffered frustrating injury issues since the start of last season, and Arteta can’t afford to lose him for any more long periods if Arsenal are to maintain their current level. He’s already had two separate problems this term, so the Spaniard will have to utilise his versatile midfield options.

Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka has enjoyed a stunning resurgence at Arsenal and will currently be one of the first names on Arteta’s teamsheet. But he’s also had his fair share of injuries down the years and should be rested where possible.

Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard has literally been at the core of Arsenal’s thriving team this season, but the club captain has a history of frustrating problems – mainly with his knee. Summer arrival Fabio Viera needs to get a chance when Odegaard or Xhaka sit out.

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus has helped revolutionise Arsenal, making an impact from the front, both through contributing to goals and showcasing impressive link-up play. But his Man City career often stalled through injuries, and even though the Gunners aren’t quite as potent with Eddie Nketiah or Marquinhos leading the line, they can’t risk losing the Brazilian long-term.

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