KIERAN GIBBS SAYS ‘FRANCHISE PLAYER’ CANNOT START FOR ARSENAL V MANCHESTER CITY

Bukayo Saka is one of the best players in the world, and Arsenal need him to win against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.

Arsenal are doing extremely well at the moment, and one of the big reasons behind that is the form and performance of Bukayo Saka.

Saka is one of the best wingers on the planet and is a regular in the Arsenal first team.

Bukayo Saka starring for Arsenal

The 22-year-old has scored four goals and given two assists in seven Premier League matches for the Gunners so far this season.

Saka has also scored one goal and given two assists in two UEFA Champions League games for Mikel Arteta’s side so far this campaign.

Manchester City have arguably the best squad in England, and for Arsenal to win against Pep Guardiola’s side, they need their best players available.

Saka, though, could miss out.

The England international suffered an injury against RC Lens in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

Arsenal told to leave Bukayo Saka out vs Manchester City

Although Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that Saka is in contention to play against City, former Gunners left-back Kieran Gibbs believes that it would be best if the winger does not play.

Gibbs said about Saka on ESPN FC: “For me, he is the franchise player.

“I think he is a bigger miss than Rodri being out for City.

“I would have to leave him out. I agree with Stevie.

“If it is a muscle injury, then you have got to leave it.”

I agree with Gibbs.

If Saka is not 100% fit, then there is no need to risk him against Manchester City.

After all, the winger could only aggravate the injury.

Of course, Arsenal will want to win against City, but at the end of the day, the result is not going to determine the winners of the Premier League title this season.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta needs to think of the long term.