Jamie Redknapp left surprised by Mikel Arteta decision in Arsenal clash vs Port Vale, ‘bit of a risk’

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Mikel Arteta named a strong team in midweek as Arsenal took on Port Vale in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Following Arsenal’s draw with Manchester City in the Premier League, the manager has been questioned on whether he will open his team up to more risks.

The Carabao Cup offers a chance to rotate, but there is also the potential for a cup upset, especially at the hands of a League One outfit such as Port Vale.

In response, Mikel Arteta named an Arsenal side with some rotation, but with plenty of strong senior players.

There was one option, however, that had Jamie Redknapp a bit surprised.

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Jamie Redknapp surprised by Bukayo Saka inclusion in Arsenal’s clash with Port Vale

With Arsenal’s injury concerns over the past year, there have been questions surrounding whether Arteta should rotate more.

Noni Madueke’s knee injury is just the latest to join the list, forcing some potential switches within the team.

With a strong squad still at his disposal, Arteta named a strong team to take on Port Vale, which included Bukayo Saka.

Considering his recent hamstring problems, it was a decision that left Jamie Redknapp particularly surprised.

He said on Sky Sports: “A bit of surprise, I can’t lie, to see Bukayo Saka, because he’s had a hamstring injury, to play him in the game.

“I know players need minutes, I know he needs to get up to speed… but it just feels a bit of a risk cause if he breaks down again…”

“I see teams, like some of the clubs, are leaving out players, but I guess he needs minutes. Trust me, I totally get that, but in a game like this, just to risk him, you know, give it a few more days because you’ve got a long season ahead.

“I think you have to be so careful because he’s so important to this Arsenal side. You can see the damage when he was in the team last year, what it did to them.”

It may have come as something of a surprise, given the possibility of Max Dowman being given a first start in his senior career.

However, it highlights just how careful Arsenal need to be with Saka in particular.

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Noni Madueke’s injury stresses the importance of keeping Bukayo Saka fit

With Noni Madueke now facing a spell on the sidelines through injury, Arsenal are left with just Saka as the only natural right winger.

In the early weeks of the season, both stars have faced injury troubles, not giving them much of a chance to rotate with one another.

If Saka is to face some time out too, there will be some concerns for Arteta to deal with, considering the fixtures ahead.

Beyond Saka and Madueke, there is Ethan Nwaneri, who featured there last season, while Dowman has also played in that position.

For now, though, focus will be on keeping their star players fit.