Silvestre claims Saka is 'a bit fragile' amid hamstring spell
Mikael Silvestre believes Bukayo Saka is “a bit fragile” and needs to work on injury prevention after another muscle problem sidelined the winger. Saka picked up a hamstring issue in the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on October 21 and is not expected to return until December, with Noni Madueke deputising on the right flank.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United defender was asked about Saka's fitness record while speaking to PariuriX.com, and he pointed to the physical demands of his explosive playing style as the root cause.
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“When you are an explosive player like Saka, obviously the muscles are what will trouble you when you are doing those sprints all the time,” Silvestre said. “Maybe, he is a bit fragile, and with the amount of games things like this can happen. What is important for him is the recovery and the prevention, because it's very important for him that it doesn't happen too often, because he is very important for Arsenal.”
Saka has racked up 323 appearances for Arsenal despite the injury interruptions of the last two seasons. He played 49 times in all competitions last season but managed just 37 in 2024/25, his lowest total since breaking into the first team.
Madueke's role in Saka's absence
With Saka out, Madueke has stepped in on the right and Silvestre sees him as an improving option, even if he is still finding his final third sharpness.
“That's why you have a big squad and Madueke would start for most of the teams in the Premier League, if not all,” Silvestre said. “He has the quality and I think he is getting his confidence now, he is trying to score and create more. He doesn't have the killer instinct yet, but he is growing into it and he is trying to get there.”
Defence carrying the attack
Silvestre, a five time Premier League champion with Manchester United, also gave his verdict on Arsenal's recent 1-0 win at Liverpool, suggesting the forward line is being outshone by the defensive unit.
“Winning at Anfield, with a clean sheet as well makes it a very good defensive performance,” he said. “We can't say the same with the offense. I would say that's one for the record, and one that you look back at the end of the season and say it was an important 3 points. But it wasn't a full on, top class, 90 minute performance from Arsenal.”
He added that squad depth will matter most when the season reaches its business end. “I think you need your best players at the key moments featuring in the semi finals and the final of competitions. Arsenal need to keep Timber fit, Saliba is coming back also. You need your strong 11 and the best defence once you reach the final. So it's still a long way away but they defend well, as a unit for sure.”
Arsenal will be hoping Saka's hamstring heals on schedule, with his return in December set to coincide with a congested run of fixtures.
