Arteta outlines Saka captaincy credentials at Arsenal | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has revealed why he has handed the Arsenal captaincy to Bukayo Saka, in the absence of the injured Martin Odegaard.

Saka has captained Arsenal for much of the campaign with Odegaard sidelined with an ankle injury since September. Despite more experienced players in the squad, Arteta has trusted the 23-year-old Hale End graduate with the armband.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Inter Milan in the Champions League, Arteta said the respect Saka commands at Arsenal makes him an ideal leader of the side.

“Especially the way people look at him. People admire him, people respect him,” the Spaniard said.

“People want to be next to him. He’s got this capacity to inject this positivity into people, a very particular way of smiling and transmitting his energy and he’s one of our leaders right now.

“He’s come all the way from the academy, he’s one of our biggest talents, biggest players, no question about that. He’s got that status in the team right now.”

Arteta did deliver a positive injury update on Odegaard, with the Norwegian having travelled to Italy for tonight’s tie with Inter.

“The positive news is it’s great to have Martin back. He’s trained with us for the first time, a full session today. He felt good, it’s a bit earlier than we expected, but he wanted to be with the team, so we’ll decide tomorrow (Wednesday) whether we use him, but at least it’s a big step that he’s travelled with us and is part of the team.”

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