Arsenal fitness headache poses major Leicester dilemma

Arsenal have become a team reliant on individuals. In a season overwhelmed with chagrin, Mikel Arteta’s side have been kept afloat by the majesty of Bukayo Saka, a 19-year-old who bears a burden that should not be bestowed upon someone of his age.

The club haven’t put their fate in his hands. Instead, he’s assumed responsibility when others faltered, continuing to make strides in his development that cement him as a shoo-in each week. Forced to play more than any other outfield player, his age and exuberance have kept him ticking over just as he’s kept Arsenal from being plunged into disaster.

He isn’t alone in playing an immense amount of minutes. Players across the division and within the Arsenal camp have been asked to do likewise.

There is no luxury, however, of facing West Brom, for example, on home soil after the side’s endeavours in Athens. It’s Leicester at the King Power Stadium. A daunting task at the best of times.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta facing fitness headache with Bukayo Saka and others ahead of Premier League clash with Leicester

Arteta has a serious dilemma on his hands. One he will be assessing with the club physios and with the players directly to overcome.

Does he ask the Bukayo Saka‘s, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s, Granit Xhaka’s and Hector Bellerin’s of his side for one final push? After Sunday, there is a full week until a trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley, some of the most welcome news in recent months. That period is essential for rest and recuperation, and even when the fixture comes about it’s the best chance of all in March to take certain stars out of the firing line.

There are no guarantees of securing three points in Lancashire with regulars rested, but there will be no more clearer invitation until the international break – which won’t provide rest for many, anyway – to ease the strain of the excursions of a key few.

Following a meeting with the Clarets it’s back off to Athens again five days later for the Europa League last 16, a home visit of Tottenham three days later, the welcoming of Olympiacos just four days later and West Ham 72 hours after. You want (need) Saka, Thomas Partey, Aubameyang, Tierney and co all fit and firing for that spell.

Whoever plays on Sunday will do so in the belief that they are physically capable. Even those on the edge, given the magnitude of the fixture, could be gambled. It’s a major dilemma facing the side. Would the risk outweigh the benefits? Arsenal do need to win, after all, but can’t risk a Partey situation being repeated across the board in what will be a high-intensity fixture from the first minute to the last.

When even the manager starts to mention fatigue in the club’s best player, noting that he considered taking him off in Greece, perhaps it’s time to heed the warnings. But despite all that, there won’t be one shocked face to see Saka’s name up on that teamsheet one hour before kick-off.