Interesting Reason Why Bukayo Saka Could Retire at Age 25 Made Known by Arsenal Legend

• Bukayo Saka could be forced into an early retirement
• A former Arsenal icon has disclosed the reason behind
• The England forward is one of the most fouled players

Arsenal legend Bob Wilson has raised concerns about Bukayo Saka's longevity in football, suggesting that the English forward may retire prematurely at the age of 25 due to the frequent fouls he endures on the pitch.

Wilson points out that Saka has been subjected to numerous rough challenges throughout the season, prompting Arsenal to voice their complaints to PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) regarding his treatment.

Despite his young age, Saka has already faced significant physical demands, starting nearly every Premier League match this season except for one due to injury.

Why Saka could retire early

Wilson emphasises the importance of referees enforcing stricter measures to protect Saka from such challenges, warning that failure to do so could lead to his early retirement.

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“What drives me demented is we have one of the best young players, and if we aren’t careful, football will lose him by the time he is 24 or 25 because Bukayo Saka will have been kicked out of the game," the former goalkeeper told The Telegraph.

What is Saka's injury history?

Despite frequently being fouled, Bukayo has maintained relatively good fitness throughout his career.

Transfermarkt data indicates that in the 2019–20 season, he missed two games for England and Arsenal due to a knee injury.

The following season, he was sidelined for two games due to hamstring and ankle issues, along with a hip problem. In the 2021-22 campaign, he was out for five days with a thigh injury.

This term, prior to his recent unspecified injury, he missed seven games for both club and country due to a thigh problem.

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Saka withdraws from England due to injury

Interestingly, Saka withdrew from the England squad for the ongoing March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium due to an unspecified injury, as reported by Sports Brief.

The 22-year-old, who has become a vital player in Gareth Southgate's England team, missed the Euro 2024 warm-up matches.

Saka's absence coincides with Arsenal's preparations for the culmination of the season. Before his withdrawal, Saka had been undergoing individual training indoors alongside Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, and Jordan Henderson.