Jamie Redknapp has criticised Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Bukayo Saka in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup third-round win over Port Vale, warning that the move could have backfired.

Bukayo Saka, who only recently recovered from a hamstring injury, was included in the starting lineup at Vale Park on Wednesday night.

The England international lasted just over an hour before being replaced after appearing to feel discomfort following a heavy challenge. Arsenal eventually sealed a 2-0 victory, but it was Saka’s involvement that sparked debate.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp said he could not understand why Arteta took such a chance with one of his most important players.

“He obviously feels he does. The sports scientist will be telling him he needs minutes [but] it’s certainly a risk,” he noted.

“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 less important game, it doesn’t make any sense to me. You’ve got a big game this 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.”

Arteta, however, explained that the decision was carefully planned. The Arsenal boss said Bukayo Saka was only meant to play for around an hour to build his sharpness.

“We wanted to play him for a maximum of 60 minutes, and he comes from a big injury again, and we need to manage his minutes,” Arteta told reporters after the match.

He added that Saka himself was eager to feature, and reassured fans that there was no setback. “He’ll be around for the weekend,” Arteta confirmed, with the winger expected to start against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

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