By Gabriel Agbonlahor

4th Oct, 2023 | 12:40pm

Agbonlahor hits out after crushing Bukayo Saka blow at Arsenal - 'I blame Arteta'

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta must “get the blame” for Bukayo Saka’s latest injury blow.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 22-year-old may have suffered a hamstring problem after picking up a similar injury during his playing career.

Saka went off injured in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-1 away loss against Lens in the Champions League on Tuesday (3 October).

Speaking post-match and quoted by the BBC, Arteta revealed the injury is a “worry” – in a hint he could miss Sunday’s (8 October) clash with table-toppers Man City.

Saka carried a knock into last week’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth but started regardless and opened the scoring in the first half.

The England international, who has already managed five goals and five assists this season, has been an ever-present for Arsenal and started all but one of their league games last term.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think Arteta gets the blame, for me.

“He should’ve been rested for the game against Bournemouth on the weekend.

“No offence, but if you’re Arsenal and you can’t afford to rest him against Bournemouth – then what have you done with your squad?

“This is a squad which includes Vieira, Nelson, Smith Rowe, and Nketiah.

“You can’t play so many games and expect not to get an injury. Even when they’re 3-0 up in the game, he’s still on the pitch.

“Just take him off when you get the second goal. He ended up playing 76 minutes when he was carrying a knock.

“It’s just very odd with Arteta. He’s been given the signs from Saka, and now he’s going to be out for a few weeks, maybe a month – minimum. It’s bad news.

“I’ve done that injury myself, backheeling the ball. The only thing that can be is a hamstring.

“It’s down to the manager.”

In other news, midfielder’s transfer pact with Arsenal revealed.