Bukayo Saka’s Return: A Selection Dilemma for Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta has been warned that Bukayo Saka’s return from injury could be a dilemma in player selection.

The Arsenal winger has missed the last 19 games with a hamstring injury he sustained against Crystal Palace in November 2024.

After months of rehabilitation, Saka is now close to returning to action. He is expected to feature against Fulham next week and, if all goes well, could be in Arsenal’s squad to face Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Ethan Nwaneri Impresses on Right Wing

Ethan Nwaneri, who turned 18 earlier this month, is actually a central midfielder. During Saka’s absence, Arteta used him as the right winger, and the results were very satisfying.

His impressive displays in that position have led many to question whether Saka will return to Arsenal’s starting XI once he has fully recovered.

Stewart Downing, former England winger, believes that Nwaneri has proven himself worthy of being a serious competitor for Saka.

“Arsenal have been very successful with their young players in recent years, and Mikel Arteta has no qualms about giving them a chance,” Downing told Ladbrokes.

“You look at Bukayo Saka, he’s an academy product, and now you’ve got Ethan Nwaneri. He’s at the point where people are starting to think: ‘He could really push Saka for a place in the first team’.”

Arteta’s dilemma: Saka or Nwaneri?

Downing also highlighted how Nwaneri shows similarities to Saka in terms of playing style and contribution to Arsenal’s attack.

“Nwaneri is very similar to Saka. He scores goals and plays well. He already looks like a real Premier League player, even though he’s only 18,” Downing added.

With Saka’s return, Arteta now faces a big dilemma: whether to immediately return Saka to the starting XI or continue to give the opportunity to Nwaneri who is performing well.

“The problem Mikel will have now is ‘where can I play him?’ But to be honest, it’s a good problem to have,” Downing concluded.