#PLStories- Mikel Arteta reveals conversation with Gareth Southgate about handling Bukayo Saka properly #ARSENALFC
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Mikel Arteta Arsenal
Despite Marquinhos stealing the show on the right flank for Arsenal last week, concerns remain over the fitness of Bukayo Saka and the number of games he finds himself playing. The Three Lions will take on Italy and Germany in the Nations League later this month, fixtures that will no doubt offer plenty of physicality and passion during the ninety minutes. However, Mikel Arteta warned Southgate back in May that Saka must be treated carefully and confirmed talks with the England boss would take place.
Mikel Arteta said: “Yes, we are going to do that. We are going to talk to every manager that is responsible for our players – how they are thinking, show them what they have done, how we have done it and what we expect them to do in the future as well. Everything has to be connected and related to the aim of protecting the player and getting the best out of the player.”
Speaking ahead of the aforementioned clash with FC Zurich, Arteta said that the club will try to balance out the minutes which Saka receives ahead of the World Cup in November.
Mikel Arteta said: “We will try – if the squad and performances allow us, we’ll try our best to manage his load and get him on the field in the best possible condition. After November we have something that we have never experienced before.”
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is set to get underway on November 20, a week after the final round of Premier League matches prior to the tournament have taken place. It is planned for the league to resume on December 26, just eight days on from the World Cup’s conclusion. If England go all the way, Saka could return to Arsenal having featured in seven games within the space of 27 days.
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