Nigerian food lover Saka to sit out Arsenal must-win Manchester United clash?

A dejected Bukayo Saka after Arsenal is a doubt for the United game (Photo Credit: Imago)

FOOTBALL Nigerian food lover Saka to sit out Arsenal must-win Manchester United clash?

Nigerian food lover Saka to sit out Arsenal must-win Manchester United clash?

Izuchukwu Akawor • 09:19 - 12.05.2024

Bukayo Saka has started the last six matches for Arsenal but could sit out the crucial clash against Manchester United.

Arsenal's Nigerian-born superstar Bukayo Saka has been named in the squad for the crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old winger, who is known for his love of Nigerian food, had been a doubt for the match after being subbed off late in Arsenal's previous game.

Saka in Arsenal team for Man United

However, manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Saka is fit and ready to play.

"A few doubts over the names that you discussed, yes," Arteta said in his pre-match press conference, hinting at Saka's inclusion in the squad.

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal could miss the game against Man United.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal could miss the game against Man United. || Imago

The news will come as a huge relief to Arsenal fans, who have been anxiously awaiting updates on Saka's fitness.

The young star has been a key player for the Gunners this season, contributing to their impressive start to the campaign and title charge.

var widgetLoaderConfig = widgetLoaderConfig || { CDN_URL: 'https://widgets.sportal365.com', APP_LINK: 'desktop', API_URL: 'https://africa.football.api.sportal365.com/', API_KEY: '2f852b4de2f3a5cf3188e74b33087bb4:2c18422f8e826a7d11aeed52edb2449e', LANG: 'en', REQUEST_INTERVAL: 30, ENABLE_BET_SLIP: false, AUTHOR: false, THEME: "light", TOURNAMENT_ORDER: "pulse_nigeria", LINK_OPTIONS_V2: { 'player' : { 'url': '/football/player/{playerId}' }, 'team' : { 'url': '/football/{teamId}' }, 'tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}' }, 'match': { 'url' : '/football/match/{matchId}', 'sort': { 'criteria': 'alphabetically', 'direction': 'asc' } }, 'configuration': { 'newWindow': false }, 'standings_tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}/standings' } } }; if (!document.querySelector('script[src="https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js"]')) { window.setTimeout(function () { let scriptCss = document.createElement('link'); scriptCss.href = 'https://www.pulsesports.ng/css/sport-widgets.css?v=1668785443'; scriptCss.rel = 'stylesheet'; scriptCss.type = 'text/css'; document.body.appendChild(scriptCss); let scriptTag = document.createElement('script'); scriptTag.src = 'https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js'; scriptTag.defer = true; scriptTag.onload = function () { window.setTimeout(function () { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }, 200); }; document.head.appendChild(scriptTag); }, 0); } else { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }

With Manchester City leapfrogging Arsenal at the top of the table after a 4-0 win against Fulham, the pressure is on Arteta's men to secure a victory against their bitter rivals.

Saka's inclusion in the squad could be the boost they need to overcome a resurgent Manchester United side.

var widgetLoaderConfig = widgetLoaderConfig || { CDN_URL: 'https://widgets.sportal365.com', APP_LINK: 'desktop', API_URL: 'https://africa.football.api.sportal365.com/', API_KEY: '2f852b4de2f3a5cf3188e74b33087bb4:2c18422f8e826a7d11aeed52edb2449e', LANG: 'en', REQUEST_INTERVAL: 30, ENABLE_BET_SLIP: false, AUTHOR: false, THEME: "light", TOURNAMENT_ORDER: "pulse_nigeria", LINK_OPTIONS_V2: { 'player' : { 'url': '/football/player/{playerId}' }, 'team' : { 'url': '/football/{teamId}' }, 'tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}' }, 'match': { 'url' : '/football/match/{matchId}', 'sort': { 'criteria': 'alphabetically', 'direction': 'asc' } }, 'configuration': { 'newWindow': false }, 'standings_tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}/standings' } } }; if (!document.querySelector('script[src="https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js"]')) { window.setTimeout(function () { let scriptCss = document.createElement('link'); scriptCss.href = 'https://www.pulsesports.ng/css/sport-widgets.css?v=1668785443'; scriptCss.rel = 'stylesheet'; scriptCss.type = 'text/css'; document.body.appendChild(scriptCss); let scriptTag = document.createElement('script'); scriptTag.src = 'https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js'; scriptTag.defer = true; scriptTag.onload = function () { window.setTimeout(function () { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }, 200); }; document.head.appendChild(scriptTag); }, 0); } else { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }

Despite being a doubt, Saka is expected to start the match, though the reality is that he may find himself on the bench as Arteta looks to manage his minutes.

The Anglo-Nigerian has been a regular in the starting lineup, but the manager may opt for a more cautious approach to ensure he is fully fit for the remainder of the season.

Tottenham fans taunting Saka || Imago

Fans will be eagerly awaiting the team news, hoping to see their Nigerian-born hero lead the charge against Manchester United.

And with the stakes high and the rivalry intense, this promises to be a match that will have fans on the edge of their seats.

Related content

Tags:
Bukayo Saka Arsenal Manchester United