‘We are going to be different’ admits Arteta after Saka injury | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka admits his Arsenal side will look different without Bukayo Saka.

In the wake of Saka’s hamstring injury, added to by Raheem Sterling also being out for several weeks, Arteta admitted things will have to change.

“We are looking at every option we can do. Especially because we lost two (players). So we are going to be different. Trying to be the same but worse, I don’t want this. And somebody trying to be Bukayo, that player has to be him (Saka).”

The Spaniard also believes there may have been a number of reasons for Saka’s injury. “I think there will be a lot of factors that are contributing to an injury like this but we are looking at it and will try to do it better if we could. Because nobody knows, you think (you’re) doing everything perfect but that’s not what a muscle needs.”

One player who fans have speculated could step up and fill the role is Ethan Nwaneri but Arteta is cautious about giving the youngster too much responsibility.

“He needs to understand a few things. For Ethan it’s a massive step up in the last 12 months but he’s in the journey with us and every time he plays you don’t notice anything. I think he has changed games for the better, so that’s a really good sign.”

But of all the options to step up in Saka’s absence, Gabriel Martinelli seems the most obvious one. He has had a less than ideal season so far, but with a strong performance and a goal against Crystal Palace in the 5-1 win for the Gunners, the timing may be perfect for the Brazilian to take centre-stage.

The Arsenal manager also believes he can step up: “Gabi loves it, you give him a challenge and he wants to do it today. I think he’s a player who likes responsibility, who likes a bigger role. It’s for all of them up front to take on the responsibility now.”