Mikel Arteta ‘confirms’ £34m Arsenal star as Bukayo Saka’s replacement after easing injury fears

Arsenal began their UEFA Champions League campaign in style by thrashing PSV Eindhoven 4-0 and, perhaps most importantly, Bukayo Saka was afforded some rest.

The winger, who registered a goal and assist on his debut in the competition, was substituted after 69 minutes in a sight that would have been greatly welcomed by many Gunners supporters after it was reported last week that he continues to struggle with an Achilles problem.

However, Mikel Arteta moved to quickly play down any fears over Saka’s fitness. Stating that nagging injuries are part and parcel of football at the highest level: “He’s fine. He trained normally today so there’s nothing to report there,” the Spaniard said. “Every player has always pains or issues that’s normal in elite sport but it’s nothing to worry about.”

Having said that, one obvious solution to eliminating any concerns some fans have with…