Former Arsenal striker, Jeremie Aliadiere, has urged manager Mikel Arteta to rest five Gunners players against Southampton.
Arsenal will on Friday night host Southampton in a Premier League tie at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Aliadiere wants Arteta not to feature the likes of Buyako Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard against Southampton.
“I agree,” Aliadiere told Metro UK when asked if Saka should rest against Southampton.
“He was rested before the Liverpool game.
“Playing against Southampton, Gabriel Martinelli and Buyako Saka have played a lot this season and these players that carry the ball a lot, they dribble and cover a lot of ground, it is the end of the season and they are still young.
“On Friday night I agree Arsenal should rest those players. We have got Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith Rowe and players who haven’t played much football lately. They’re ready to come in and do a job for Arsenal.
“I am sure Mikel Arteta will be thinking of that, especially with the Manchester City game in mind, which comes quickly after. I agree he will probably rest Saka and see how the game goes.
Asked if Arteta should also rest the likes of Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard, Aliadiere added: “Yes, all those guys.”
