Former Premier League star, Jamie Redknapp, has hit out at Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta for taking a ‘risk’ in their Carabao Cup game against Port Vale on Wednesday night.
Redknapp was unhappy over the manager’s decision to name Bukayo Saka in the starting line-up for the third-round clash at Vale Park.
The manager’s decision could be to help the winger to continue his return from a hamstring injury.
Saka suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out of Arsenal’s games against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
He returned last weekend in the Premier League clash against Manchester City, having also missed the Champions League victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Redknapp expressed shock over Arteta’s decision to field the England international in the Carabao Cup game against the League One side.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Liverpool star was asked if Arteta needed to start Saka in the game, he responded, “He obviously feels he does.
“The sports scientist will be telling him he needs minutes [but] it’s certainly a risk.
“When you’ve had a player who’s had a hamstring injury like he has, not that long ago, any time you play in a game that’s less important, it doesn’t make any sense to me.
“You’ve got a big game at the weekend against Newcastle. You’ve got a lot of players who could’ve played [against Port Vale].
“It’s not like you need him tonight. I think it’s a risk. This is the second time he’s done his hamstring, albeit a different one. It just feels like a game not taking a risk in.”
After the game, Arteta told reporters that Saka needed the minutes to boost his return to form ahead of the big game against Newcastle United.
He also pointed out that it was the player himself that demanded to play the game.
