Why Bukayo Saka isn't in the Arsenal squad vs Luton as Mikel Arteta makes five changes

Bukayo Saka has been omitted from the Arsenal squad for their Premier League clash with Luton Town at Emirates Stadium.

The 22-year-old had been a doubt going into the game after coming off in Sunday's 0-0 draw with what appeared to be an injury. Saka was withdrawn from England duty due to a hamstring problem, but prior to this match Mikel Arteta had appeared to suggest he could be available.

«He’s fine,» the Spaniard said in his pre-match press conference. «We haven’t trained, just recovered. We have a short light session today to prepare the game and we’ll see if he’s in the best condition to start or not.»

Saka was then involved in training at the Sobha Realty Centre on Tuesday and arrived with the squad at the Emirates Stadium. However, after that session it was decided that Saka would be unable to take part in the game as he continues to recover from his muscle problem. The issue is not thought to be serious, however, with Arsenal looking to rest the Hale Ender.

Arsenal are understood to have given Saka a fitness test during training, but the England international was unable to come through it.

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He is replaced in the starting XI by Reiss Nelson. The 24-year-old comes in for his first league start of this season and his first league start since July 2020.

That is one of five changes made by Arteta for the visit of Rob Edwards' relegation-threatened side. Oleksandr Zinchenko replaces Jakub Kiwior at left back in the second alteration from the line up at the Etihad Stadium.

Thomas Partey, meanwhile, is in for his first start since August. He replaces Jorginho. Emile Smith Rowe is making his first start