Bukayo Saka: Resilient, yet still vulnerable

Let’s get one thing straight: Bukayo Saka is not human. Or if he is, he’s been built with a different instruction manual than the rest of us. The kid has played more minutes before turning 23 than some Premier League journeymen manage in an entire career. And yet, the lad keeps ticking. Mostly.

But every machine has its stutters, and Saka’s has showed the occasional loss of steam.

He has pulled a hamstring again, and will be sideline 3-4 weeks this time. His injuries have been enough to make Arsenal fans mutter “wrap him in bubble wrap” every time he takes a knock. Especially when he pulls up clutching something mid-match, which is becoming its own drama fest on social media.

Yet, for all the grimaces, lumps, bumps and limps, it’s as if his muscles operate on some gentleman’s agreement: they can ache, but never snap. Yes, he has played through pain, however, even with that resilience he still has missed a total of 177 days over the past four seasons.

Still, you wonder how long it can go on. He’s young, yes. Tough, sure, but even Saka’s radiant grin can’t hide the wear and tear forever. Arsenal need to rotate him like a prized bottle of vintage wine to keep him ready for the run-in at the end of the season.

Let’s face it, if Saka ever does break down for real, the Emirates might spontaneously combust.

Let’s hope we never see the day.

Gunner1953