Saka explains decision to cut World Cup holiday short

Bukayo Saka has revealed he took just seven days’ holiday after the World Cup, such was his appetite to start preparing for the new season.

Many predicted the winger wouldn’t be ready for the start of the campaign having been part of an England side that reached the final weekend of the World Cup only a month ago. There were also concerns over the nagging Achilles issue that saw him nursed through the opening stages of the tournament.

Instead, Saka has returned looking refreshed. He completed 68 minutes and scored Arsenal’s second as Mikel Arteta’s side ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against Coventry on Friday night.

Afterwards, he reflected: “The World Cup [start] was a couple of months ago, but I’ve put in a lot of work since then and I’m feeling good.

“It was more about balancing my time off and not having too much of a break.

“I took seven days off and then started to train again, just to try and come back in good shape so I’m on top of my body.”

Having carried such a heavy load for Arsenal throughout the Arteta years, Saka will no doubt have been frustrated that he didn’t play more of a starring role as the Gunners finally ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.

His return of 11 goals and nine assists in 49 appearances was hardly poor, but he rarely looked completely fit and there were spells when Arsenal had little choice but to manage his minutes carefully.

No wonder he was itching to get going again.

“Yes, 100 per cent. I felt really hungry after the World Cup and after the season ended. I was looking forward for the season to start again.

“Like I said, I was training a lot so I could be ready for the start and ready to help the team in the way I know I can.”

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