Bukayo Saka has enjoyed arguably the best Premier League season of his young career so far in 2023/24. However, when it comes to Fantasy Premier League, the winger has never been too far away from a cautionary yellow flag fitness-wise.
The England winger has led Arsenal’s title charge both domestically and in the Champions League in Europe, tallying 16 goals and 12 assists across the two competitions. That form has made him a must-have in FPL, but Saka’s latest knock means he’s a doubt for the huge clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
Here’s the latest update on the 22-year-old’s fitness and whether to include him in your FPL team for Gameweek 30.
Saka played the full 120 minutes of Arsenal’s Champions League second leg against Porto earlier in March, scoring in the penalty shoot-out as the Gunners booked a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.
However, the Gunners’ starboy was forced to withdraw from England duty for March’s international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, with Gareth Southgate opting not to call up a direct replacement after medical staff inspected a minor muscle problem.
Saka missed Arsenal’s victory over Man City in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium back in October after sustaining a thigh problem in a defeat to Lens in Europe.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave an update on Saka’s injury status in his press conference before Sunday’s trip to the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking about the winger and teammate Gabriel Martinelli, he revealed: “There is a chance [they could play]. They haven’t trained. Tomorrow we have another session, but there is a chance.”
Saka featured in Arsenal’s last four games against Porto, Brentford, Sheffield United and Newcastle, though he was substituted at half-time in the 6-0 thrashing of the Blades at Bramall Lane.
When his departure from the squad was announced, a statement from England read: “Bukayo Saka has left the England camp and returned to his club for continued rehabilitation. The Arsenal forward reported to St George’s Park with an injury and has been unable to participate in training.”
Only Ollie Watkins (187) has scored more FPL points in 2023/24 than Saka so far. That’s reflected by 60.9% of teams picking the England forward despite the regular worries over his availability.
Mohamed Salah (£13.1m), Kevin De Bruyne (£10.5m) and Son Heung-min (£10.1m) are the only midfielders who currently cost more than Saka, meaning there are plenty of options for FPL players to consider before Saturday’s 11:00 GMT deadline.
Away from Sunday’s big game, Salah and Son could return large points hauls against Brighton and Luton Town respectively, while Bruno Fernandes (£8.2m) and Alejandro Garnacho (£4.9m) could take advantage of an injury-riddled Brentford on Saturday night.
