Olaleye Idowu
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained why he took Bukayo Saka off early in the second half, as they beat Port Vale 2-0 in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night.
Arteta has clarified that it was a planned substitution, and Saka has not picked up a fresh injury.
The England international was included in the Gunners’ starting XI against the League One side and played 61 minutes.
Shortly after the break, Saka was on the receiving end of a hefty tackle, which saw him hold his leg in pain.
Moments later, Arteta replaced him with teenager Max Dowman.
After the game, Arteta said, “We wanted to play him a maximum of 60 minutes, and he comes from a big injury again, and we need to manage his minutes.”
He also confirmed Saka would “be around for the weekend”, with the player expected to start against Newcastle United.
