Bukayo Saka is racing against time to return for Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid, with Riccardo Calafiori backing him to make an impact.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring his goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain at on October 01, 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Riccardo Calafiori, like everyone else, knows Bukayo Saka’s return will be a major boost for Arsenal, as the winger accelerates his recovery in hopes of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Saka has been sidelined since before Christmas after suffering a torn right hamstring in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace, an injury that required surgery and has kept him out of action for 18 matches.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal reacts after picking up an injury, before receiving medical treatment and later leaving the field, during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on December 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
With Arsenal’s European campaign entering a defining phase, Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Saka will be available for selection against the 15-time Champions League winners.
“Bukayo will hopefully do more with the ball at his feet than he has, passing, shooting and running,” Arteta said. “He’s getting closer. When we throw him in with the team, let’s see how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly.”
Bukayo Saka working on his fitness with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Photo via Arsenal.com
Calafiori is backing his teammate to make a difference when he returns: “Everyone will be happy if he comes back, he’s a top player and he will make the difference,” Calafiori said.
“You can see when he’s on the pitch that he makes a big difference.
“He’s an important player for us, he’s a top guy as well.
“He’s going to do everything to come back for Real Madrid but right now I’m thinking about Chelsea and then the national team.”
Calafiori: Saka return’s just perfect Sunday Express16 Mar 2025 RICCARDO CALAFIORI is backing Bukayo Saka to breathe new life into Arsenal’s season – but first they must take care of business against Chelsea. The Italian defender is relishing the return of Mikel Arteta’s superstar winger (right), who is expected to be back in By Ryan Taylor time to face Real Madrid in the Champions League. Calafiori said: “Everyone will be happy if he comes back, he’s a top player and he will make the difference. “You can see when he’s on the pitch that he makes a big difference. He’s an important player for us, he’s a top guy as well. “He’s going to do everything to come back for Real Madrid but right now I’m thinking about Chelsea and then the national team.” Article Name:Calafiori: Saka return’s just perfect Publication:Sunday Express Start Page:4 End Page:4
Calafiori: Saka return’s just perfect – Sunday Express 16 Mar 2025
Arsenal’s April fixtures could see Saka ease back into the squad before the first leg against Real Madrid.
Reports suggest he could feature in Premier League clashes against Fulham or Everton, giving him crucial match fitness ahead of the European showdown.
With Thomas Tuchel naming his first England squad on Friday, Saka was left out to focus on his recovery, ensuring Arsenal control his rehabilitation.
Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly received call-ups, but Tuchel will have to wait before incorporating Saka into his plans.
“We are positive that in a few weeks, he’ll hopefully be back,” Arteta said, as Arsenal prepare for their biggest test of the season.
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