Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka’s Achilles injury had begun to hamper his performances before Arsenal took the decision to sideline him and focus on getting him back to his best for the run-in.
The winger featured in 42 of Arsenal’s first 50 matches, up to and including the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City on 22 March, but he was clearly not himself by the time he reported for England duty at St George’s Park.
When he withdrew from Thomas Tuchel’s squad, there was some suspicion he was being shielded by his club, however, a continued absence from the last five matchday squads has since underlined the seriousness of the issue.
While Arsenal had hoped to have Saka back in time for last weekend’s clash with Manchester City, that fixture arrived too soon. Instead, he is set to be included in the squad for Newcastle’s visit to the Emirates, the first of a five-game shootout for the title.
“We’ve given him some time,” explained Arteta in his pre-game press conference.
“There was a moment when he was struggling to maintain his performances because he wasn’t comfortable at all. We’ve done that.
“He had the right treatment, the right space, he had some time off for himself, and now it’s the most important part of the season, and he’s back with us.”
Last season, Saka missed three months after surgery to repair the torn hamstring he suffered in December 2024. On that occasion, he put some distance between himself and the club, spending time abroad before stepping up his rehabilitation.
This time, the break appears to have been as much mental as physical.
“It was a long-term injury [last year]. Now, by time by himself, I mean, you are not connected with the team every day.
“I think it was a good moment for him as well to reflect on that, to have some peace because we’ve been constantly asking and demanding him, and it was a moment to say, now when you feel ready, let us know and we’ll go for it.”
He added: “He was in great spirits today. You can see that the sun is shining and that he’s back with the team because he had a different energy. He’s been through a tough period. We certainly missed him, and he’s back with us now.”
With Riccardo Calafiori also available, Arsenal’s only absentees at the moment are Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino. Player availability at this stage of the season is absolutely key, but Arteta admits the benefits have to exceed simply being on the pitch.
“Now we need to get the best version out of them [Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori],” he explained.
“Being available is not enough. Being available with your best version is what we need in this stage of the season. But at least they are with us. They make us certainly stronger.
“We missed them. And now all the players as well, they’ve just come back as well. They’re going to have more games, more minutes, and hopefully we will see a performance as well.”
For Mikel Merino, the clock is ticking. The Spaniard continues to rehab after undergoing surgery in January to repair a fracture in his foot, and it remains to be seen if he can impact the run-in. Failing that, the midfielder will have this summer’s World Cup in his sights. He’s been an important player for his country in recent years, but he’ll have to prove his fitness.
“It’s a bit premature to say. He’s evolving really well. He’s really pushing every boundary that he possibly can. But it’s a bit early to answer that question,” said Arteta.