Scott Minto believes there has to be a point where Mikel Arteta relents and he rests Bukayo Saka regardless of his importance to Arsenal amid concerns about his injury.

The 22-year-old is in a race against time for Arsenal to pass Saka fit to face Manchester City on Sunday. Arteta had to remove the winger in a third successive appearance at RC Lens this Tuesday after feeling an injury. He also suffered issues against Tottenham and Bournemouth.

Saka failed to shake a hard knock to his foot in the north London derby and missed Arsenal’s Carabao Cup win at Brentford. The England ace then returned at Dean Court only to suffer a second foot issue. While Saka limped off as Arsenal lost at RC Lens with a hamstring injury.

Scott Minto is adamant Arsenal must rest Bukayo Saka

Arsenal have sent Saka for scans and fitness tests throughout the week in the hope of Arteta having him available on Sunday. But fears remain rife in north London that the winger will sit out the top-of-the-table clash. Saka last missed a Premier League game back in April 2021.

Saka has also featured in each of the Gunners’ top-flight fixtures since May 2021, setting the new Arsenal record for 87 consecutive outings. He also has four goals and two assists during seven fixtures this season. But Minto believes Arteta must yield at some point and rest Saka.

“I think when someone is that good, there is no alternative,” Minto told talkSPORT’s Premier League All Access Podcast. “Like with Kevin De Bruyne and like Rodri. You want players to slip into that position but they won’t do the same job. I think Saka is that good.

“It’s a testament to the youngster, he’s been Arsenal’s best player over the last three or four seasons. I understand the reliance to a point. I like Arteta and I like what he represents but there has to be a point where you rest this guy.”

Manchester City is not the game to rest Bukayo Saka

Saka has started all seven of Arsenal’s Premier League fixtures so far this term and opened 37 last term. Arteta only named the winger on their bench in a win at home to Leeds United in April. The Gunners boss chose to do so after Saka’s rough treatment by Italy with England.

Italy targeted Saka with a number of tough challenges to try and limit his impact in the Euro 2024 qualifier. The forward still featured for 85 minutes and has played in each of the Three Lions’ past eight games. Gareth Southgate last overlooked Saka during the 2022 World Cup.

Saka got a rare rest for the third group stage game in Qatar with England’s spot in the last 16 already secured. But his time on the pitch has been relentless since. So, Minto is right in one way to say Arteta must rest Saka. But the visit of Manchester City is not a game to drop him.

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