Bukayo Saka has been sidelined again. The Arsenal superstar had to miss England’s World Cup qualifying match v Andorra due to a knock he picked-up in training.
Is football asking too much of the young forward?
Yes, Saka has been a beacon of consistency and resilience for both Arsenal and the England national team. However, the 2024–25 season has tested his durability like never before.
Saka’s injury woes began in October 2024 when he suffered a thigh problem during England’s Nations League defeat to Greece. The setback sidelined him for three matches, including a Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk and a Premier League loss to Bournemouth. Just two games later, he was forced off again, this time against Chelsea, due to a hamstring issue .
The most significant blow came in December 2024 when Saka tore his hamstring in a Premier League victory over Crystal Palace. The injury required surgery and kept him out for over 100 days, the longest layoff of his career . Missing 20 matches in a single season was uncharted territory for the 23-year-old, who had previously enjoyed a remarkably light injury record .
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that the accumulation of matches over multiple seasons contributed to Saka’s injuries. Both Saka and teammate Declan Rice had played over 130 games in the past two seasons, leading to concerns about the sustainability of such a workload .
Saka made his comeback in April 2025, scoring in a 2–1 win against Fulham . His return was timely, providing a much-needed boost as Arsenal navigated the final stretch of the season, including Champions League fixtures.
While Saka’s resilience is commendable, the 2024–25 season serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on elite athletes. Arsenal and England must carefully manage his workload to ensure his longevity and continued impact on the pitch.
Gunner1953
Saka should rest for a whole season But it is very big risk because he might lost his potentials