Bukayo Saka is hopeful of a return to action next month
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Mikel Arteta has revealed Bukayo Saka will ramp up his rehabilitation next week as he bids to get fit for Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.
Saka has been out of action since December after tearing his hamstring and he underwent surgery shortly after.
The winger is progressing well in his recovery and he hopes to be back in action next month after the upcoming international break.
Arsenal have a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid then, with the first leg at Emirates Stadium on April 8 and the reverse fixture in Spain the following week.
Saka is expected to be fit for that and Arteta has confirmed the 23-year-old will increase his workload next week while the rest of the Arsenal squad are away on international duty.
“He is going to be here [at the Arsenal training ground], hopefully more with ball at his feet than he has had,” said Arteta.
Read More
Arsenal star praised for 'brave' decision as reason behind England exile is revealed
Arsenal star praised for 'brave' decision as reason behind England exile is revealed
Alexander Isak planning Newcastle talks amid Arsenal transfer links
Alexander Isak planning Newcastle talks amid Arsenal transfer links
Arsenal vs Chelsea: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, odds, h2h
Arsenal vs Chelsea: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, odds, h2h
Sponsored
Satisfy your wanderlust with stellar travel ideas for the year ahead
Satisfy your wanderlust with stellar travel ideas for the year ahead
“That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own.
“Next we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that.
“He’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making a very good progress I would say. So, let’s see when we start to throw him in with the team, how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly.”