Bukayo Saka has dismissed fears he could suffer from burnout and says he is ready to play 70 games this season to help Arsenal challenge both domestically and in Europe.
Saka has featured in 77 games for Arsenal and England since the start of last season, and Mikel Arteta wants the winger to be available every week "like the top players in the world".
There has been concern his workload, coupled with rough treatment from opponents and a lack of protection from referees, is putting him at increased risk of injury.
Saka missed the 1-0 win over Manchester City this month due to injury, which ended a run of 87 consecutive Premier League appearances, and pulled out of the England squad. But the 22-year-old insists he does not need a rest and is ready to continue to play every three days.
Asked if he is worried about burnout, Saka said: "I'm really focused on the next coming games and what I can do for the team. My focus is not really there [on talk of burning out]. I always want to be on the pitch, to give my best, and if I'm injured and I have to be forced to be out, then of course I will sit out.
"But as long I'm there and I'm ready to play, I am always going to give my best and tell them that I want to play." Saka is set to be given the night off when Arsenal play West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, but Arteta has no issue selecting him whenever he can.
Speaking last season, the Gunners boss said: "Look at the top players, they play 70 matches, every three days and make the difference and win the game."
Saka said: "I think it's possible. When you look at the top players, they are there every three days and they are winning games for their team. So I'm trying to be at that level, and to obviously be at that level I need to push myself. Of course, it's difficult, but I'm trying to do it and give it my best."
Saka captained Arsenal for the first time on Saturday, when they thrashed the Blades to stay two points behind leaders Tottenham.
The Gunners have made a steady start to the season but Saka has warned their rivals they can still go up another level.
"We just have to take into account the results that we've been getting," he said after the win. "We are close to the top of the table in the Premier League, we are top of our Champions League group and we are still in all the other competitions.
"That is something we can be proud of, but there is another level for us to go to. We are pushing, pushing and today, scoring five goals, we are getting closer to it."
