Mikel Arteta carefully managing Arsenal star Bukayo Saka's workload

Saka, whose start to the 2025-26 campaign has already been hampered by a hamstring problem, was making only his third start in all competitions this season.

The England international lasted just over an hour at the Emirates, but left supporters fearing the worst when he appeared in discomfort after a heavy challenge shortly before his substitution.

Arteta was quick to clarify the situation, stressing that the change was not prompted by any new setback.

"Yeah, it was always the plan," Arteta said of Saka's hour-mark exit.

"The maximum we wanted him to play was 60 minutes; there is a lot of games coming up.

"He is coming back from an important injury, and again we need to manage his load."

Asked about the upcoming clash with Newcastle, he added: "He is coming back from an important injury, and again we need to manage his load."

Arsenal's early-season progress has been complicated by a mounting injury list. Noni Madueke is sidelined for around two months, while Kai Havertz remains a long-term absentee. 

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