Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka not ‘undroppable’

Mikel Arteta says that though Bukayo Saka isn’t ‘undroppable’, he’s earned the right to play consistently for Arsenal in the remainder of the season.

Bukayo Saka has had a fantastic season for Arsenal so far, with 22 goal contributions in 31 Premier League fixtures to help the team to the top of the division with seven games remaining.

But it’s fair to say the winger has eased off a little in April, dropping to the bench against Leeds after an illness, before struggling to be as involved in the game as he usually is in the draws against Liverpool and West Ham.

Saka remains one of Arsenal’s key players ahead of the final month of the season, and one reporter asked Mikel Arteta whether the 21-year-old is considered ‘undroppable’.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal controls walks away whilst holding the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2023. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

“Nobody is undroppable, but he has earned the right to play, and consistently play for the team because he has been exceptional for us,” Arteta said.

“[We] just listen to him, sit down with him and understand how he’s feeling and shift those things, those self-doubts sometimes that he has, or when he’s too high, try to bring him down.

“Every player has self-doubts because there are always things to improve, things that you look back and [say] ‘I should have done better in the game’. Always.”

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates his successful goal during the Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace English Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London, on March 19, 2023. (Photo credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) — Arsenal’s English midfielder Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 19, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

There’s no doubt that the best-case scenario for Arsenal is that Saka gets back to scoring and assisting as soon as possible.

No one else in the squad could come into the team and make the Gunners more likely to get results than an in-form Bukayo Saka. A strong performance against Southampton on Friday night would be the perfect way to get back on track.