SAKA ORDERED TO GIVE GUNNERS A BREAK

MIKEL ARTETA has told injured Bukayo Saka to head off on his holidays before returning to help fire up Arsenal's title tilt. Despite his ongoing rehab (inset) following hamstring surgery last month, the England winger offered his support to team-mates (far right) ahead of their North London derby win over Tottenham on Wednesday. Saka, who was pictured steadying himself on crutches, is not due back until March and his absence remains keenly felt. With

- DARREN WITCOOP

Saka sidelined and Gabriel Jesus (knee) out long term, Arteta aims to bolster the Gunners frontline this month, with moves for Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko being considered.

Arsenal host Aston Villa today but Arteta urged Saka to stay away - and instead head overseas for some R&R in preparation for hitting the ground running.

Arteta said: "He needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He needs to. He is obligated to go. With his girlfriend or his family, he can choose. Or on his own.