PERFECT FIT

Arteta reveals the secret to Saka's long-playing record

- MATTHEW DUNN

MIKEL ARTETA has praised Bukayo Saka for keeping himself out of “hospital” as he races to keep his Premier League appearance record going.

The Arsenal winger has played in the last 86 matches, the longest current run of any player in the top flight, having last missed a game towards the end of the 2020-21 season.

However, an ankle injury picked up in the final minutes against Spurs last Sunday ruled him out of the midweek Carabao Cup win against Brentford.

Although he was able to take part in the final session of the week on the eve of today’s trip to Bournemouth, his inclusion in the matchday squad will be one of a number of late decisions Arteta has to make.