Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is ‘really fatigued’ after Thursday’s Europa League victory over Benfica.
The 19-year-old once again played a pivotal role for the Gunners as they came from behind to secure a 3-2 win against the Portuguese giants to book their place in the last 16 of the competition.
Saka set up both goals for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, one an incisive through ball and the other a pinpoint cross to the back post.
The teenager has now played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s last six games, having started 27 games in all competitions this season.
The Gunners have another crucial fixture away to Leicester City waiting this Sunday with Saka’s services likely to be needed again.
Arteta was full of praise for the England international when he spoke after Thursday’s victory in Greece, but admitted he is now asking a lot of his young charge.
‘It is (nerves of steel), and as well because he’s really fatigued, Arteta said.
‘He’s played a lot of minutes and he hasn’t had much rest. We asked him to go again and produce this moment, and the boy has done it against a really difficult formation with the way they were so deep and there were very small spaces, but he’s found a way to do it again.’
Saka’s performance against Benfica saw former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas declare him a ‘game change on Twitter, adding: ‘Saka is such a good player. Such maturity and intelligence for is age.’
MORE : Paul Scholes rates Man Utd, Spurs and Arsenal’s Europa League chances after booking last-16 spot
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