Rio Ferdinand has a different view to Bukayo Saka
Rio Ferdinand has a different view to Bukayo Saka's injury - Source: both images from Getty
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has explained why Bukayo Saka's latest injury setback could be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal. The pundit reckoned that the setback would give the attacker enough time to rest and it has come at a perfect time as the Gunners don't have any big games coming up anytime soon.
Recall that Bukayo Saka left the pitch on crutches after picking up a hamstring injury during Arsenal's emphatic 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend. The 23-year-old is expected to miss a couple of games and Rio Ferdinand feels it is nothing to worry about.
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"If there was a perfect time to get injured, it would be now,” the former Manchester United defender told Sky Sports. "If he was going to be out for any spell, it would be over this Christmas period.”
The pundit went on to explain why it actually plays in Arsenal's favor to have Bukayo Saka spend some time on the sidelines during this festive season.
"You look at the games that they’ve got coming up, no Champions League, [it] gives [Saka] a bit of time to rest,” Ferdinand continued. “We talk about players playing loads of games, I think he hasn’t had a period where he’s been out for any length of time."
"I think if he’s out for a bit of time now, it’ll put them in good stead when it kicks in around January, February time,” he added.
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Arsenal's next three fixtures will see them face the likes of Ipswich Town, Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. That will be followed by massive fixtures against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup and the English top flight, respectively.
Bukayo Saka's stats for Arsenal so far this season
Arsenal have found themselves once again relying on Bukayo Saka's brilliance in front of goal this season. In fact, the team plays a lot better when the attacker is on the pitch, which highlights how important he is to the team.
So far during the campaign, the 23-year-old has made 24 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, recording nine goals and 13 assists to his name. That includes five goals and 10 assists in the Premier League, four goals and two assists in the Champions League, as well as one assist in the EFL Cup.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's men currently occupy the third position in the Premier League table with 33 points from 17 games. They're six points behind leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand.
The Londoners are also on course to progress into the next round of the UEFA Champions League after bagging 13 points from six games.