Mikel Arteta responds to injury concerns with Bukayo Saka update | OneFootball

Arteta eases Saka injury fears after Arsenal cup win

Mikel Arteta offered reassurance after Bukayo Saka’s early withdrawal against Port Vale raised concerns over another setback. Arsenal progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 win, yet the sight of Saka going down in the second half inevitably triggered alarm among supporters.

Arteta, however, was quick to explain the decision. “It was planned, 60 minutes was the maximum,” he said. “We had four, almost five players already in the line-up that we had to get him out for different reasons, especially for load because he was coming from long periods out. So we planned for that and the good thing is that nobody got injured, so there are no muscular issues. So that’s a very positive thing again.”

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Arsenal manage Saka carefully

The winger’s importance to Arsenal cannot be overstated, which is why every fall or heavy challenge sparks such anxiety. At Vale Park, his return to action after four weeks out with a hamstring issue was closely monitored. Arteta’s decision to bring him off after an hour was rooted in caution rather than concern, reflecting a clear plan to manage Saka’s workload in the weeks ahead.

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Arsenal still had enough to secure victory. Eberechi Eze’s early strike provided control, while Leandro Trossard’s late finish sealed the tie. Arteta rotated heavily, making nine changes, yet still named a side with experience and quality.

Arteta reflects on performance

The Arsenal manager admitted there were phases of the match that required adjustment. “Something that we discussed before the game, what was at stake in this game was your reputation, as a club, as a team, as an individual,” he explained.

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“We played these type of games, I’ve been here long enough to understand it’s going to be very tricky. I think we started the game really well, very dominant, scored a goal. We had another three or four opening chances that we didn’t manage to score the goal. In the second half we lost a little bit of grip of the game, especially with the direct play, with all the throw-ins to the sidelines and winning territory and then again. We lack a bit of dominance and control. With a few adjustments, we go back to that. We scored a beautiful goal, the second goal from Willy (William Saliba) and the quality of Leo on the finish is top draw. In general, happy with the win, the clean sheet and the debut of Kepa for us today.”

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Arsenal depth underlined

Beyond Saka’s carefully managed return, the match offered a reminder of Arsenal’s increasing depth. Even with sweeping changes, they restricted Port Vale to no shots on target. The debut of Kepa Arrizabalaga added intrigue, while Eze’s first goal for the club provided a further positive note.

Arteta summed it up: “The goal of Ebz, his first for the club and then the fact that even making nine changes, the team can still perform really well.”

For Arsenal, progress was steady rather than spectacular, but the priority was clear. Saka is fit, the squad looks balanced, and momentum continues.