ARSENAL star Bukayo Saka is STILL not allowed into the first-team dressing room at the club’s training ground.
The young winger, 18, has still not been given permission to join the senior dressing room – and continues to prepare in the academy area.
Saka has made five appearances for the Gunners this season, including three Premier League run-outs.
The hot prospect – tipped for big things at the Emirates – even scored in the Europa League win over Eintracht Frankfurt, while adding two assists.
As well as a Carabao Cup showing – in the 5-0 drubbing of Nottingham Forest – Saka has gone up against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Bournemouth.
Despite rapidly becoming a big part of Unai Emery’s plans, Saka is yet to be given full first-team privileges.
The training facilities at Arsenal are separated into first-team and academy wings – and youngsters must be invited to join in with the established stars.
ACCA WITH LADBROKES Pick up a whole load of acca features to help you land the big one
But Saka is more than on the right track, having started the last three Premier League games, under the tutelage of Invincibles star Freddie Ljungberg.
The Swedish legend keeps a keen eye on Saka as he helps the youngster develop – even helping him translate Emery’s instructions.
Saka revealed: “It helps me so much having Freddie on the training pitch.
“Sometimes when the manager is trying to communicate with me I don’t understand what he is saying and Freddie speaks better English.
“Freddie has been a player at this level before and a very good one. He played in the same position as me on the left wing and he’s been a big part in my progress.
“I couldn’t ask for much more than to have an Arsenal legend giving me advice every day.
MORE ARSENAL STORIES
“He’s been with me since I was 15 and seen me do amazing things but his main message is always to stay humble and keep working hard because he really thinks I can be a top player.”
But for now, Saka seems happy to be part of the academy dressing room – so he can hang out with his mates.
Saka said: “It’s good to have your mates around you to push you and to pick you up when you’re down.”