Mikel Arteta Reluctant To Rest Bukayo Saka Even Though The English League Trophy Is Impossible To Hold

Bukayo Saka will always be played by Mikel Arteta if he is available (Instagram/@arsenal).b

JAKARTA - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hinted that he would not rest Bukayo Saka for the upcoming Premier League game as they also prepare for the semi-finals of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.

The club's 5-1 aggregate win over defending champions Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals has raised the club's hopes of winning the European tournament for the first time in their history.

However, their performance in Europe has not yet continued into domestic competitions, with Mikel Arteta's side trailing 13 points from leaders Liverpool when five games remain.

The Merseyside club could be named the champion on Thursday, April 24, 2025, if Arsenal loses to Crystal Palace.

Even though the Premier League title was beyond their grasp, Arteta remained reluctant to rest Saka, who had just returned from an injury that kept him out for three months.

"We can't think about it, when the players are fit and ready and want to play, they have to play."

"They are in the best condition while playing. They have consistency in their performances."

"Physically and emotionally, they are good. They have rhythm and that's when they are in the best condition."

"If they are not available, there is no discussion. If they are not in good condition to perform, we will not play them."

"It's just that, if they are available, we will play them," Arteta told a news conference ahead of the match on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Saka has contributed 25 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions this season. He starred in a 2-1 win at the Bernabeu last week and impressed a 4-0 win at home to Ipswich Town on the weekend.

At Portman Road, Saka received a hard tackle from Leif Davis in the first half that made the defenders have to be replaced.

However, Arteta has ruled out concerns about Saka's injury.

"We have to wait and see now how it reacts after the (training) session, but nothing is too serious."

"If we want (to choose), I think we'll have a good chance to play tomorrow," Arteta said when asked about Saka's availability to fight Palace.

Meanwhile, a diagnosis of the Arteta on Jorginho was more gloomy. The Italian international was absent during the draw against Brentford earlier this month for allegedly suffering a rib injury.

"I thought Jorginho would be out for a few weeks. I hope so, but I'm not sure (whether he will play again this season)."

"We have to see how it develops in the next few days," said the Spaniard.