Arteta hails humble Saka

Mikel Arteta has hailed Bukayo Saka’s humble and committed attitude towards the club after the English forward revealed his intention to stay with the club long-term.

Bukayo Saka is expected to make his first Premier League start in 2025 as the Gunners host Brentford at the Emirates this evening. The Englishman had been ruled out of action since December 21, suffering a hamstring injury that kept him out for over three months.

However, after two appearances off the bench against Fulham and Everton, and a return to the starting lineup in Arsenal’s huge 3-0 win over Real Madrid midweek in the Champions League, the 23-year-old is set to make his first Premier League start since being sidelined with the blow.

Saka, who recently revealed his intention to stay at Arsenal for the long term after coming through the club’s youth ranks, was praised by head coach Mikel Arteta for his humble and committed attitude ahead of the clash against Brentford.

“Bukayo Saka is so humble, so simple and very committed to the club”, he told reporters. “He has very deep roots connected to this football club and with a lot of people here. I’m very glad to hear that he wants to stay with us and win with us.”

Saka had set off alarm bells in north London after being subbed off early against Real Madrid, but the situation was cleared up by Arteta, who confirmed Saka was ‘fine’ post-match. The Spaniard will continue to be without Havertz, Jesus, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, and Calafiori due to injury.