Overplayed: Bukayo Saka’s Tottenham exit explained | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka’s exit from Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur sparked concerns, with the talented winger seen limping off late in the game.

However, reports suggest that Saka’s substitution was due to cramp rather than a serious injury, and Arsenal are hopeful that he will be fit to play in their upcoming fixtures against Atalanta and Manchester City.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Cramp is a common issue in football, particularly for players like Saka who are regularly involved in high-intensity matches. It occurs when muscles become fatigued, often due to dehydration, overuse, or electrolyte imbalances, and it can cause temporary but painful contractions.

While cramp isn’t considered a serious injury, it can restrict a player’s ability to continue, as was the case with Saka on Sunday.

In recent weeks, Saka’s workload has been particularly demanding. In less than a month, he has played six matches, including four for Arsenal and two for England during the international break.

This has amounted to a total of 500 minutes on the pitch: 344 minutes across four matches for Arsenal and another 156 minutes for England.

Given that Saka only appeared twice in pre-season, the rapid increase in match time may have taken a toll on his muscles, making him more susceptible to cramping.

Ireland’s forward. #10 Adam Idah vies for the ball with England’s midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka during the UEFA Nations League, League B, group 2, football match between Ireland and England at the Aviva Stadium, in Dublin, on September 7, 2024. (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed uncertainty following the match, saying, “I don’t know [what Saka’s problem is]. I made two changes with the front players and suddenly he’s down. I don’t know exactly what it is but he could not continue.”

Despite Arteta’s cautious comments, reports from The Standard suggest that Arsenal are confident the issue is not serious, and that Saka’s removal was largely precautionary.

Saka’s resilience on the pitch is well-known, as he has built a reputation for his remarkable fitness and consistency.

Since breaking into the Arsenal first team, Saka has been a constant presence, rarely sidelined for extended periods.

England’s Bukayo Saka reacts after the UEFA Euro 2024 final football match between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 14, 2024. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

Although he has experienced some minor setbacks – such as a thigh injury in October 2023 that kept him out for 18 days and an unspecified injury in March 2024 that sidelined him for 16 days – Saka has generally managed to avoid long-term injuries.

Other knocks, like a dead leg in 2021 and a minor hamstring strain in 2020, only kept him out for a few days at a time, underscoring his ability to recover quickly.

This season, Saka’s form has been pivotal for Arsenal. He has either scored or assisted in every match for the club, a testament to his importance in Mikel Arteta’s setup.

His assist was vital during the intense North London derby, where Saka took the corner from which Gabriel scored, before being forced off late on.

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 31, 2024. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images)

The physical demands on Saka have been immense, especially with the added pressure of international duty. In the recent international break, he played two full matches for England, which compounded the workload he was already carrying at Arsenal. The quick turnaround between games, along with his limited pre-season action, likely contributed to his cramp against Tottenham.

As Arsenal prepare for their Europa League clash against Atalanta and a crucial Premier League meeting with Manchester City, Saka’s availability will be vital.

The Gunners will be hoping their star winger can recover fully in time for these fixtures.

Arsenal‘s next training session, scheduled to be open to the media, will provide a clearer picture of Saka’s fitness.

Bukayo Saka and David Raya in training with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

If he participates, it will confirm the cramp was a minor issue. However, if he is absent, it may suggest the situation is more concerning than initially thought.

Saka‘s ability to stay fit, even with his heavy match load, has been a significant factor in Arsenal’s success in recent years. While his recent cramp scare might serve as a reminder of the physical toll professional football can take, Arsenal are hopeful this will not hinder his participation in the crucial upcoming matches.

Saka’s consistent performances, coupled with his strong recovery history, suggest that the 23-year-old will be back to full fitness soon, ready to continue his excellent start to the season.