Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has been dealing with a nagging Achilles problem throughout this year, according to a report.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of England during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group C match between England and North Macedonia at Old Trafford on June 19, 2023. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of England during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group C match between England and North Macedonia at Old Trafford on June 19, 2023. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

The Daily Mail report that Bukayo Saka’s absence from the England starting lineup against Scotland this week was partly due to the winger dealing with an Achilles problem.

The issue is nothing new, causing him problems last season as well, but it continues to nag at him.

It’s clearly not enough to keep the young winger out of action completely, as Saka came on against Scotland and he’s been playing plenty of games this season already.

But it’s another fitness concern for Arsenal to manage as the season goes on.

Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 12, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring the team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 12, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

As for England, it would probably be smart to save Saka for the qualifiers and give minutes to other players in friendlies.

Over the October international break, England face Australia in a friendly before playing Italy in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

A win against Italy may be enough to guarantee qualification, depending on other results, which would then make November’s games against Malta and North Macedonia a formality.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrate following the team's victory in the penalty shoot out during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrate following the team’s victory in the penalty shoot out during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Arsenal have a tricky run of games between now and the next set of internationals.

The Gunners kick things off with a trip to Goodison Park, which has been a problematic ground for the side in recent years. Then there’s the return to the Champions League against PSV, and the north London derby the following weekend.

After that, Arsenal have away trips to Brentford, Bournemouth, and RC Lens before the visit of Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta will need Saka on top form to get the best out of that schedule.