Jamie Redknapp has slammed Mikel Arteta for taking a ‘risk’ over Bukayo Saka in the Carabao Cup game against Port Vale on Wednesday night.
Saka was named in the starting line-up for the third-round clash at Vale Park to continue his return from a hamstring injury.
The hamstring problem ruled Saka out of Arsenal’s Premier League matches against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
Saka also missed the Champions League victory over Athletic Bilbao before making his return against Manchester City on Sunday, coming off the bench for the start of the second half after replacing Noni Madueke.
But Redknapp was shocked to see Saka named in the Arsenal XI for the Carabao Cup showdown with League One side Port Vale on Wednesday.
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Quizzed on Sky Sports if Arsenal manager Arteta needed to start Saka against Port Vale, Redknapp said: ‘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.’
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Port Vale, Arteta said: ‘[Saka] needs minutes and he’s demanding that as well.
‘Obviously, when he’s been out for a while, you just need to get in the rhythm, you need to get that confidence on the pitch and repeat actions and exposure.
‘We will do that, gradually, because he’s been out for a while. But I like what I saw the other day when he came on [against Man City].’
In an interview with Sky Sports ahead of kick-off, Arteta was asked about his team selection and said: ‘Nine changes is a lot.
‘A few [players are] starting for the first time for us and deserve to have minutes.
‘Freedom and expression is a big part of our game. [I am] very excited to see the boys play.
‘They are fully prepared. You have to earn the right to win the game, there will be pressure moments and we have to be really prepared.’
Many supporters and pundits were expecting to see Max Dowman start against Port Vale but Arteta named him on the bench.
