In a charged exchange with the media, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta firmly defended Bukayo Saka’s withdrawal from the England squad due to a legitimate thigh injury. Following his standout performance in Arsenal's impressive 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, where he notched a goal and assisted another, questions arose about the seriousness of Saka's condition.

Saka, now 23, has been one of Arsenal's standout players this season, contributing four goals and eight assists in just 11 Premier League appearances, second only to Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in goal contributions. He was substituted late in the match against Chelsea before the international break, signaling a need for rest and recovery.

Despite his strong performances, Saka has already missed nine matches for club and country this season, a concerning trend as he approaches the midway point of the campaign. For context, this number exceeds the total games he missed in any of his previous three seasons. Normally known for his durability and resilience on the pitch—ranking among the top 10 most fouled players in the Premier League over recent years—his current injury situation is perplexing for fans and pundits alike.

Arteta's response came after a reporter raised suspicions about Saka's injury, suggesting the possibility that Arsenal might have encouraged him to withdraw to safeguard his fitness. Arteta, visibly protective of his player, countered the accusation with, "We can send the MRI scan, very simple." He emphasized the clear communication between Arsenal's medical team and the England national setup, reinforcing that Saka needed the time to recover properly.

This moment of tension highlights an ongoing debate in football about the balance between club and international duties. Harry Kane, England's captain, previously expressed his frustration regarding the withdrawals of several players from the national side, asserting that representing one's country should supersede club commitments.

As Saka continues to recover, Arsenal fans will be eagerly watching to see how this situation unfolds and hoping to see him back on the pitch, contributing to the club's title ambitions this season. The outcome of this saga could have implications not just for Saka but also for England as they prepare for upcoming fixtures. The question remains: will the talented winger be fit enough to play in the next round of Premier League matches, or will his injury woes continue to plague his promising career?