Peр Guardіola warnѕ Mіkel Arteta not to ѕtart ONE Arѕenal ѕtar tomorrow

In the build-up to Arsenal’s preseason clash against Newcastle, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has reportedly issued a word of caution to Mikel Arteta. The warning centers around one of Arsenal’s brightest young stars, Bukayo Saka, whose physical readiness has become a talking point ahead of the friendly fixture.

The highly anticipated match is set to give both clubs a chance to fine-tune their tactics and test different squad combinations ahead of the new campaign. Yet, for Guardiola, preseason is less about results and more about preparation, and he believes Arteta must be particularly careful in managing Saka’s involvement.

Guardiola, who is renowned for his meticulous handling of player workloads, has expressed concern about the heavy burden Saka carried last season. The 21-year-old winger was a key figure for both Arsenal and the England national team, appearing in a staggering number of matches across domestic, European, and international competitions.

Such a demanding schedule, especially for a player still in the early stages of his career, increases the risk of fatigue and injuries. Guardiola’s advice reportedly highlighted the importance of easing players into match action at this stage of the season. “Preseason is for building fitness and avoiding unnecessary risks,” Guardiola is believed to have told Arteta. “Just because a player wants to play every minute doesn’t mean it’s the right decision.”

This perspective reflects a growing awareness in modern football: player welfare is as important as tactical sharpness. For Saka, whose explosive style of play relies heavily on stamina, agility, and quick bursts of speed, even minor physical setbacks could affect his ability to deliver consistently over the course of a grueling Premier League season.

Saka has already endured periods of minor injuries in previous campaigns, with Arsenal forced to adapt their system whenever their talismanic winger was sidelined. Guardiola’s warning, therefore, is more than just friendly advice—it is a reminder of the bigger picture, where long-term availability outweighs short-term impact in preseason matches.

For Arteta, this creates an intriguing dilemma. On one hand, fielding Saka could provide valuable momentum and confidence ahead of the new season. On the other, the risk of overexerting him too soon could jeopardize Arsenal’s ambitions once the competitive fixtures begin. It may also push Arteta to experiment with other attacking options, perhaps giving opportunities to players like Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, or Leandro Trossard.

Preseason matches, while eagerly watched by fans, are ultimately exercises in building chemistry, sharpening strategies, and testing depth. Guardiola’s message is a reminder that risking injury to a cornerstone player like Saka in such games would be unwise. Arsenal’s focus must be on ensuring that Saka remains fresh and available when the Premier League resumes in earnest.

There is also the mental side of things. Young stars like Saka often carry the weight of expectations from both club and country. Managing not only his physical load but also his mental sharpness will be critical if Arsenal want to compete with the likes of Manchester City for major honors this season. Resting him during less crucial games could provide him with the clarity and energy needed when the stakes are highest.

Ultimately, Guardiola’s advice may resonate deeply with Arteta, who himself has been mentored by the Spaniard during his time at Manchester City. Both managers share a strong emphasis on detail, preparation, and protecting players from burnout. As Arsenal prepares to face Newcastle, the decision regarding Saka’s involvement will serve as an early test of Arteta’s balancing act between ambition and caution.

The outcome of this friendly may matter little in the grand scheme of things, but the management of players like Saka could define Arsenal’s entire season. For Guardiola, the message is clear: safeguarding talent is the true victory in preseason.