December 29th 2024.
During a recent Premier League game, Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta received some criticism from former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara. O'Hara believes that Arteta must take some responsibility for the injury sustained by rising star Bukayo Saka.
Saka, who has been a key player for Arsenal in recent years, was forced to leave the field during their victory over Crystal Palace on December 21st. He then missed their win over Ipswich Town on Friday night. Initially, Arteta stated that Saka would be out for "many weeks," but later revealed that the young player had undergone surgery and may not be back until March. Saka himself posted a photo of him in a hospital bed after the operation, promising to come back stronger.
Before his injury, Saka had been in excellent form, scoring five goals and making ten assists in just 16 league games. O'Hara believes that it was inevitable for such a young player to suffer a serious injury, especially considering the amount of football he has played. He points the finger at both Arteta and the demanding fixture list, stating that they are both to blame for this unfortunate setback.
O'Hara notes that Arteta has been playing Saka every single week, even in games where he could have rested him, such as Carabao Cup matches. He believes that the earlier rounds of these competitions should be used to rotate players, and he is surprised that Saka has played in all of their Carabao Cup games. O'Hara acknowledges that Arsenal heavily rely on Saka's contributions, but still thinks that the club is at fault for not managing his workload better.
He also criticizes the fixture list, saying that there is no rest for the top players and that the demands of the league are causing players to break down. O'Hara believes that the level of protection for players is a disgrace and that the top priority should be their well-being. He argues that while having a big squad is important, the protection of players should not be overlooked.
When asked about the extent of Saka's injury, Arteta stated that it could be more than two months before he returns to the field. This news raises questions about whether Arsenal will look to sign a replacement for Saka during the January transfer window. Arteta, however, has confidence in his team and believes that they will continue to be competitive even without Saka. He emphasizes the importance of relying on the entire team rather than individual players, stating that the unit as a whole will be the key to their success.
Arsenal, who are currently sitting second in the Premier League, will continue their campaign on New Year's Day against London rivals Brentford. While they will miss Saka's contributions, Arteta and his team are determined to continue their success and adapt to the absence of their star player.
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