Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were not involved in training on Monday, according to the Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings.
The journalist reports that Saka missed out after suffering a foot injury in the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, while Martinelli is currently on the sidelines with illness.
Fans on X are hoping that both players are rested when the Gunners take on PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League dead rubber:
Let them rest.
— Marvine (@MarvineODiddy) December 11, 2023
I would rest Saka. No need to take any risks.
— Ziggy 🇱🇹 (@ZUrbonaite) December 11, 2023
Swear Arteta doesn’t like resting Saka.
— ZeeGooner (@zelda5_iam) December 11, 2023
Don’t bring Saka!!
— TryHarder07 (@THarder07) December 11, 2023
Leave Saka at home 🙄
— Otium (@UzesGooner) December 11, 2023
If saka plays even a minute in Eindhoven…😑
— sachin singh (@SinghAts) December 11, 2023
For goodness sake if there’s ever a game not to play Saka at all, this is it.
— Etienne 🔴⚪️ (@etienne_smith23) December 11, 2023
There’s no need to play Saka or Martinelli
Mikel Arteta’s side have already qualified for the knockout rounds of the Champions League, having topped their group. Resting key players this evening in Eindhoven is, therefore, a top priority.
It is rather surprising that Saka will be travelling with the squad, considering he would probably be better off staying at home and getting some well-earned time off ahead of Arsenal‘s next league match versus Brighton on Sunday.
There is some good news on the injury front for Arsenal
While the update on Saka and Martinelli is rather concerning, Collings’ claim that Emith Smith Rowe is back on the training pitch at London Colney will be welcomed by supporters.
The 23-year-old has not been seen in action since October, having picked up a knee injury prior to the Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham.
