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Arsenal boss Arteta urged to rest Saka after injury strain

Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre feels manager Mikel Arteta needs to take Bukayo Saka out of the firing line.

Saka was forced out of Sunday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham due to injury, but could be back this week. The winger has played the most games for Arsenal (189) since his debut against Vorskla Poltav in the Europa League.

Silvestre told Betting Expert: "Bukayo Saka is playing too much. He plays in a position where he is sprinting a lot, and he is challenged a lot by the defenders. He has not been given enough rest.

"He needs to be given some rest if Arsenal wants him to be there in March and April, which is when the team will really be competing in the important games for the title and in the Champions League.

"But he might get tired at that time. We know how tough the schedule in England is, and he also plays with the international team as well.

"By the time he has to go to the Euro, two-thirds of his energy will be gone. It's both physical and mentally. He needs to recharge the battery and recover to be on top every week."

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