Arteta explains surprising Bukayo Saka’s absence from Leeds match

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained why in-form Bukayo Saka failed to start the Premier League clash against Leeds United. 

The England international, according to his club boss, has been left out of the starting lineup after missing training the day before.

Saka was a surprise omission when Arteta named his starting XI as Arsenal resumed league action after the FIFA international break.

"He was unable to train yesterday [Friday]. He's feeling a little better today. We might still see him at some point," Arteta said.

Saka had started 54 consecutive games in the league - a run stretching back to December 2021, when the Gunners were beaten 3-2 by Manchester United.

The run was expected to continue owing to the goal-scoring form the Three Lions forward is currently enjoying.

Saka, the newly-crowned March Player of the Month, played almost 180 minutes for England during the international break. He was named the Man of the Match during their Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine at the Wembley Stadium.

Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard, who has been in equally fine form, will lead Arsenal's attacks in place of Saka.

Gabriel Jesus made his first start in the league since November after fully recovering from a knee injury he suffered in Qatar during the World Cup.

"We’ve put Gabby in. He brings a lot of energy, quality, movement, and chaos. He’s a player we’ve been missing, and it’s good to have him back," added Arteta.

After Manchester City thumped Liverpool 4-1, pressure is now on Arsenal to win and maintain the eight-point gap at the top.