"He had a niggle": Mikel Arteta reveals why 24yo Arsenal star did not start vs Nottingham Forest

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed why Bukayo Saka did not make the starting line-up for the goalless Premier League draw against Nottingham Forest on the road.

The Gunners had the opportunity to go nine points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a victory at the City Ground, but were unable to do so after a frustrating stalemate.

Saka was one of three changes made by the manager against the Tricky Trees. He came on as a substitute shortly before the hour mark, and Arteta has now explained the reason.

It was initially assumed that the Englishman was replaced by Noni Madueke on the right wing to manage his workload, but Arteta said that the 24-year-old ‘had a niggle’ before the game.

He told Arsenal.com: “Bukayo had a lot of minutes and he had a niggle before the game so we need to manage our players.

“We have some fantastic players that can provide different things and we did try it from the beginning, we tried after half-time as well, taking more risks and bringing in even more players in those attacking options. We tried in every way and it wasn’t enough unfortunately.”

Madueke had a lively performance against Sean Dyche’s side and should have had an assist in the opening half. Gabriel Martinelli missed a clear-cut opportunity to break the deadlock.

Saka came on to replace him early after the break. The Arsenal graduate was one of the best players on the pitch and was denied a headed winner by a sensational save from Matz Sels.

Arsenal should have won the game, having dominated possession and created brilliant chances. Despite this, they have moved seven points clear at the top of the table after 22 matches.

Aston Villa, who are third in the standings, can of course reduce the deficit to four points with a win over Everton at home. Arsenal will hope for a favour from the Toffees this afternoon.

Arsenal have no time to ponder over the result and need to turn their attention to the Champions League. They are away to Serie A leaders Inter Milan, who beat them last season.

The Gunners dominated proceedings at San Siro, only to lose to a controversial penalty. They have the opportunity to make amends with a win and progress to the round of 16.

Arsenal are three points clear of second-placed Bayern Munich in the league phase of the elite club competition after six straight wins.

They need just a point from their next two matches to qualify directly for the last 16.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

The post "He had a niggle": Mikel Arteta reveals why 24yo Arsenal star did not start vs Nottingham Forest first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.