"Just never gets a rest", "Can't get a night off" - Arsenal fans unhappy with star's inclusion in XI for Bolton clash

Many fans were left displeased by Mikel Arteta's inclusion of Bukayo Saka in Arsenal's lineup to face Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup Third Round at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, September 25. The teams haven't met each other in over a decade, with their last match resulting in a goalless draw in February 2012.

For the EFL Cup clash, Mikel Arteta went with Saka, Raheem Sterling, and Gabriel Jesus as the three forwards for the Gunners. The midfield is composed of Ethan Nwaneri, Jorginho, and Declan Rice. Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior, and Josh Nichols form the Arsenal back-line with 16-year-old debutant Jack Porter between the sticks.

Bukayo Saka has been one of the star players for Mikel Arteta's squad this season, with one goal and five assists in six games across competitions. However, the Englishman has been playing matches thick and fast, making fans worry about his fitness.

Arsenal fans took to X to share their concerns about the English winger. Here are some of their comments:

"Saka just never gets a rest man," wrote a fan on X.

"Saka can't get a night off can he," another wrote.

One fan raved about Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly while expressing concern for Bukayo Saka's fitness. They commented:

"Nwaneri & MLS making full debuts. Very excited to watch them. Concerned about Saka starting think he needs a rest."

"Omds Saka is never getting a rest is he," complained another fan.

"Does Arteta want Saka dead or what?" wrote one fan on X.

Mikel Arteta would want to improve on Arsenal's underwhelming performance in the EFL Cup last year where they suffered a fourth-round exit at the hands of West Ham United.

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A look at some key statistics before Arsenal take on Bolton Wanderers

Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers - Carabao Cup Third Round - Source: Getty

The Gunners have a statistical advantage over Bolton Wanderers, having secured 58 wins in their 133 clashes. Bolton Wanderers, meanwhile, have secured 39 victories and the spoils have been shared on 36 occasions.

The Gunners have an impressive record at the Emirates Stadium, having won five out of their last six games at home. The last time the Gunners dropped points at the Emirates Stadium was when they faced Brighton & Hove Albion on August 31.

Arsenal were left with the bitter feeling of "what could have been" in their last match against Manchester City on September 22. Despite leading 2-1 for the entirety of the second half, Mikel Arteta's side conceded in the eighth minute of stoppage time and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Meanwhile, the away side secured a thumping 5-2 win against Reading in their League One clash on September 21 at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.