Bukayo Saka
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is edging closer to a return from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him since December. The 23-year-old has been out of action since limping off during the 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on December 21, requiring surgery later that month.
Following the operation, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided an initial timeline for Saka’s recovery, stating on December 27: “He had a procedure, everything went well, but unfortunately, he will be out for many, many weeks. I think it will be more than two months, but I don’t know exactly how much longer. It depends on how the scar tissue heals in the first week or so.”
Now, more than two months later, Saka has yet to rejoin the matchday squad, and his return is still pending.
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Arsenal are also without Gabriel Martinelli, who is recovering from a similar hamstring issue. When asked whether either player could return before the international break in March, Arteta was not optimistic: “I don’t think so, no.”
Bukayo Saka with Gabriel Martinelli
Bukayo Saka with Gabriel Martinelli could be back after the international break (Image credit: Getty Images)
However, the Spaniard was more hopeful about their availability after the break, particularly for Arsenal’s home match against Fulham on April 1.
“I think so, but again, let’s see how they evolve in the next few weeks. They’ve been out for a long time, so we’ll have to integrate them gradually.”
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Arteta also suggested that Martinelli could return slightly earlier than Saka: “We have a meeting tomorrow to discuss where they are, especially Gabi. He probably has a chance before Bukayo, but we’ll have to see how it goes in the next week or ten days.”
If Saka is fit for April 1 against Fulham, his return would be a major boost for Arsenal’s title challenge and Champions League campaign. The Gunners will face Everton four days later, followed by the Champions League quarter-finals, where they are all but certain to progress after their 7-1 thrashing of PSV in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
With some of the biggest games of the season approaching, Arsenal will be eager to have their star winger back in action at a crucial time.
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