Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Premier League teams are targeting Bukayo Saka this season worries everytime he plays as players are 'kicking him to bits'.
Saka has played an integral part of the Gunners' rise to the top of the league this season and under Mikel Arteta the youngster has thrived.
The Arsenal academy graduate has been included in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the World Cup and Arteta was recently asked for his thoughts on referees needing to protect the forward: “I’m sure that the referees have looked at all the incidents and the amount of fouls that our front players are getting and it’s their job to manage that situation in the best possible way,” he said.
Wright can't believe the number of fouls
Saka is fouled a fair number of times, however, Gabriel Jesus is the most fouled Arsenal player this season.
Advert
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, he said: "We’ve got to talk about Bukayo Saka. People will say, 'oh they’re just trying to protect him'. The man is getting kicked to bits man.
"It’s horrible. I’m nervous when he’s playing. You know when you have your best player in the team and when it goes down you’re worried. I’m literally like that every time. It’s a worry.
"There has only been one booking for the challenges there have been on Saka this season. Just one!"
Saka and the Gunners face a trip to the Midlands for their final match before the World Cup.
They will play Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday with England playing their opening World Cup game against Iran on November 21.
Topics: Arsenal, Bukayo Saka, Ian Wright, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Jesus
Brad Cox