Bukayo Saka being forced to play so often proves ‘something’s fundamentally wrong’ at Arsenal, says club legend Wright

ARSENAL legend Ian Wright believes it is totally wrong that rising star Bukayo Saka is having to play so much for the club. The Gunners have relied heavily on the 19-year-old winger this season with Mikel Arteta seeing him as a key player in their team. But Wright believes the versatile starlet should not be […]

ARSENAL legend Ian Wright believes it is totally wrong that rising star Bukayo Saka is having to play so much for the club.

The Gunners have relied heavily on the 19-year-old winger this season with Mikel Arteta seeing him as a key player in their team.

EPA

Bukayo Saka was forced off with an injury during the draw at Leeds[/caption]

But Wright believes the versatile starlet should not be relied on so much by Arsenal and thinks it shows the problems at the club.

He also feels it makes no sense with Mesut Ozil exiled from the squad by Arteta.

Speaking on Wrighty’s House Podcast, he said: “He’s our most creative player at 18. When you look at it like that, there’s something fundamentally wrong when he has to play so frequently to help a team like Arsenal to win.

“Even more so when we look at Mesut Ozil not being able to get a squad number.

“We’re asking an 18-year-old to come off the bench, he’s just played three games for England, and now he’s injured. That’s too much pressure already.”

Saka suffered a bruised knee in the draw at Leeds which ruled him out of the Europa League match in Molde.

That came after appearing in all three of England’s games during the international break, having worked his way into Gareth Southgate’s squads this season.

Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

Saka has played 12 times in all competitions – including seven in the Premier League.

He netted a goal and two assists in that time – while his adaptability across defence and midfield has increased his value to Arsenal.

The Gunners will hope Saka’s injury is not too bad and that he can be available for the north London derby at Tottenham on December 6.