Mikel Arteta has responded to anyone questioning Bukayo Saka's commitment to England by insisting he would “send an MRI” to prove the winger was injured during this month's international break.
Saka was one of 10 dropouts during England's recent UEFA Nations League double-header against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, a situation captain Harry Kane described as “disappointing” before suggesting that “it's a period difficult season and maybe he took advantage. a bit.”
Saka was unable to complete Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Chelsea before the international break due to a thigh problem, but capped an excellent individual performance by opening the scoring in Saturday's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium.
After Thomas Partey and teenager Ethan Nwaneri, with his first Premier League goal, completed the scoring in a comfortable victory, Arteta defended the contrast in Saka's absence for England and in good form for Arsenal.
“Well, we can send an MRI, it's very simple,” Arteta said. “That is very clear communication between the Arsenal medical staff and the England team.
“He hasn't done anything, he was out and needed time to recover. He had a training session.”
Arsenal claimed their first league win since October 5 to build positive momentum ahead of a tough week that continues with Tuesday's Champions League trip to Sporting CP.
“I felt great energy in the last 48 hours,” Arteta said. “The way everyone came back, I felt a great unity and desire to change the situation and what has been a different period for us with all the situations we had to face. And the team is there from the beginning. There was fluidity, It was dominance, there was excitement about it. That's what I demanded.”
