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May 2, 2026 21:21 GMT (UK), by Sri Aswin

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has clarified that Bukayo Saka‘s half-time substitution against Fulham in the Premier League was not injury-related.

The Gunners secured a convincing 3-0 win over the Cottagers at home earlier today. Saka was one of the standout performers with a goal and an assist in the opening half.

The 24-year-old was replaced by Noni Madueke on the right wing at the interval, and commentators were spotted saying that he may have picked up a minor niggle.

However, speaking after the game, Arteta clarified that the club have been carefully building up his minutes and it was the reason behind taking him off at the break.

He said: “We have to [protect him]. He played 30-odd minutes in Madrid, now he’s played 45 minutes. We need to ramp up his load, but we need to be careful because we need him on that pitch.”

Saka made his first start for the Gunners since the Carabao Cup final loss in March. He is widely expected to stay in the XI for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Atletico.