It’s been seven years since Bukayo Saka broke into the Arsenal first team, and at just 24, the England international remains one of the club’s key figures.

After making a single Premier League appearance in the 2018/19 season, Saka quickly established himself with 26 top-flight games, contributing one goal and five assists. His importance to the team grew steadily, reflected in his career tally of 69 goals and 48 assists in 245 Premier League appearances. Add 21 goals and 18 assists from domestic and European cup competitions, and it’s clear why many consider him Arsenal’s “star boy.”

Yet, this season has not gone according to plan. Saka has scored just six goals and provided three assists in the league — his lowest return since 2020/21, when he managed five goals and three assists. Injury issues have played a role, as he’s missed two months of action due to three separate injuries. Given how integral he is to Mikel Arteta’s system, his absence has been noticeable: when Saka is firing, Arsenal look far more balanced and dangerous.

It’s worth noting that since breaking into the first team, Saka has dealt with over 30 separate injuries or illnesses, highlighting a potential risk of burnout. Modern football’s relentless schedule places enormous physical and mental demands on top performers, and Saka is no exception.

Arsenal have coped reasonably well without him. Despite his struggles, they remain top of the Premier League and are in the Champions League last 16. Saka’s Premier League goal drought underscores the challenge: aside from a recent strike against Brighton, his last goal came against Brentford on December 3 — a 16-game barren spell. This works out at 318.5 minutes per goal, his worst rate since the 2020/21 season (511.8 minutes per goal).

His shot conversion rate of 10.2% is among his lowest, and 59 shots in the league represent a decline from previous seasons. Similarly, his 159 touches in the opposition box are just six more than his 2020/21 total, marking his second-worst showing since his breakthrough. Put simply, this isn’t the output expected from a “star” player.

With the season entering its crucial phase, Saka’s form needs urgent attention. There’s no suggestion he wants to leave, nor that Arsenal want him to, but allowing him a short spell to recuperate and refocus could benefit everyone. Too often, players return before they’re fully ready, risking stop-start careers.

With careful management of his workload, Saka can rediscover the form that made him one of the Premier League’s brightest talents. As Arsenal chase their first league title in 22 years, Saka’s desire to contribute is understandable, but he must also consider the World Cup. Balancing club and country will require maturity, rest, and recovery.

Do that, and there’s every chance Saka will reclaim his top billing at Arsenal and continue to shine for both club and country.