Bukayo Saka has dismissed concerns over burnout despite potentially facing a 63-match season, as the winger looks to inspire Arsenal to the Premier League title.
Saka has been an ever-present for Arsenal in the Premier League this season, starting all 27 of the Gunners’ matches.
The England winger has played a vital role in their surprise push for the title, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists.
He was afforded a rare rest in the closing stages of Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Fulham, with Mikel Arteta opting to protect the star by taking him off in the final 20 minutes.
Saka told ESPN that he can recuperate from the season in the summer, insisting he is living his dream on the pitch.
‘I’d say mentally, I’m just happy to be on the pitch,’ Saka said.
‘If I put it to you this way: would I rather be injured or on the pitch? I want to be on the pitch.
‘If I ask myself when I was younger where I would want to be, and it was on the pitch playing for Arsenal every week competing at the highest level, I’d take it.
‘So, I’m happy. I just want to continue to push to the end of the season and then in the summer I can lock myself in my room and sleep for the rest of the summer.’
The 21-year-old has played nine matches for Mikel Arteta’s side in cup competitions, adding to his workload in the Premier League.
Saka played the full 90 minutes of their Europa League last-16 first leg against Sporting Lisbon and is expected to be involved in Thursday’s return fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
Should Arsenal reach the final of the Europa League, it is possible that Saka may feature in 63 matches this season, with the winger also a key part of the England set-up.
He is also expected to be named in the England squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine this month.
England will also have a further two qualifiers in June against Malta and North Macedonia, ahead of the summer break.
Saka had started four of England’s five matches at the World Cup in Qatar, contributing three goals and one assist.
His displays across the season led to Saka being named Young Player of The Year at the London Football Awards this week. (DailyMail)