'If you are Arteta': Ally McCoist expects Arsenal boss to leave £250k-a-week star out for tonight's game
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Arsenal face a quick turnaround in games as they prepare to host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The game at the Emirates Stadium comes just three days after the Gunners fell to a shock 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth in the Premier League.
However, Arsenal remain unbeaten in the Champions League and can take a step closer to the round of 16 should they overcome Shakhtar.
The Ukrainian champions haven’t won either of their opening games in the competition and were beaten 3-0 by Atalanta last time out.
Arsenal continue to have injury issues ahead of the game and, according to Ally McCoist, there’s not much chance that one of their star players will feature tonight.
Ally McCoist doesn’t expect Bukayo Saka to feature for Arsenal v Shakhtar Donetsk
The player in question is Bukayo Saka, who is currently nursing a hamstring injury he picked up on England duty earlier this month.
Saka limped off in England’s Nations League loss to Greece and duly withdrew from the squad, undergoing a scan on his issue.
Arsenal were initially optimistic about the £250,000-a-week star’s chances of featuring against the Cherries, but he didn’t make the squad.
"We tried the last few days but he didn’t have the right feeling,” Arteta said ahead of the game. “There was no point pushing him and we have very good options as well."
Speaking on Monday ahead of the Shakhtar clash, Arteta said of Saka: "He is closer and progressing really well. Let's see how he feels after the training session today."
However, McCoist has told talkSPORT that, even if Saka does recover in time for the game, Arteta is unlikely to risk him.
"I wouldn't have thought so,” said McCoist (22/10/2024, 9:53am). “You wouldn't have thought so.
“I mean, in a game where you would expect Arsenal to be fairly comfortable in, you wouldn't contemplate risking him.
“I wouldn't have thought so. Clearly, you take the advice of the medical staff, that goes without saying, but if you are Arteta, you would think, not for me.”
Arsenal team news v Shakhtar Donetsk
As well as Saka being a major doubt, Jurrien Timber also seems unlikely to feature as he didn’t train on Monday either.
The Dutchman was forced off at half-time of the Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain last month.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are also injured, while Martin Odegaard is not expected back until after the November international break.
William Saliba is available for Tuesday night's match, despite his red card against Bournemouth.
Shakhtar goalkeeper Tymur Puzankov, who is recovering an ACL injury, is the only absentee for the visitors.
