Mikel Arteta has revealed that Bukayo Sakadidn't startArsenal's 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forestbecause he had a "niggle" before the game. Saka has been an ever-present in the Gunners squad over the last couple of months, with the 24-year-old making 29 appearances across all competitions this season, providing 13 goal contributions.
But Arteta made the decision to drop Saka down to the bench for the trip to The City Ground on Saturday. The England international, however, was introduced in the 57th minute for Noni Madueke and had the biggest chance of the game, directing a seemingly inch-perfect header towards the bottom corner but Matz Sets was there to keep it out.
Explaining his decision to name Saka as a substitute, Arteta said: "Bukayo had a lot of minutes and as well, he had a niggle before the game. So we need to manage our players, and we have some fantastic players that can provide different things. We did try from the beginning.
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"We tried after half time as well in the next taking more risk and bringing even more players in those attacking options. We tried in every way [to win the game] and it wasn't enough, unfortunately."
With Saka the latest Arsenal player to suffer an injury, below football.london have taken a look at the others that remain out and when they expect to return to action.
Bukayo SakaInjury: Unknown
Arteta didn't confirm the exact location of the "niggle" that Saka suffered, but it appears that the Arsenal winger might have to be managed going forward. Despite carrying a minor issue, he still looked sharp against Forest when he came on.
Expected return date: Already returned, likely to feature vs Inter on January 20th
Piero HincapieInjury: Groin
Hincapie limped off during the draw against Liverpool on January 8 after injuring his left leg. Arteta later confirmed the Ecuador international had suffered a groin injury, and he has since missed the last three matches.
Potential return date: January 25 (vs Man United)
Riccardo Calafiori
Injury: Muscle
Calafiori hasn't featured for Arsenal since the win against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in December, with the Italian suffering an injury in the warm-up before Brighton. Arteta said the ex-Bologna defender "felt something very awkward" and he has not been involved since.
It was hoped that Calafiori could return to Chelsea and then Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but he is still out and won't return for another couple of weeks at least.
Potential return date: Early February
Max DowmanInjury: Ankle
Dowman picked up an ankle injury while playing for the Under 21s against Manchester United in early December. He is not expected to return - like Calafiori - for at least the next couple of weeks.
Expected return date: Early February
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