Bukayo Saka
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have received a major boost as star winger Bukayo Saka is on track to return from a long-term hamstring injury in time for the Gunners’ important upcoming matches.
The 23-year-old, who underwent surgery after sustaining the injury during Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace in December, is making significant progress in his recovery.
Manager Mikel Arteta has expressed optimism about Saka’s return, stating that the England international has a “good chance” of being available after the international break. Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday, Arteta told Sky Sports, “Yes, he’s got a good chance.”
Saka’s potential comeback comes at a critical juncture for Arsenal, who face a packed schedule in early April. The Gunners will host Fulham in the Premier League on Thursday, April 1, before travelling to Everton on Saturday, April 5. They then turn their attention to the Champions League, where they will take on Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday, April 8.
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Arteta provided further insight into Saka’s recovery process, revealing that the winger has been working diligently on his rehabilitation. “He is going to be here [at the training ground], hopefully more with the ball at his feet than he has had,” Arteta said on Friday.
Bukayo Saka Champions League MOTM
Bukayo Saka could return from injury ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter final clash against Real Madrid (Image credit: Getty Images)
“That will mean he is passing, shooting, running, and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch, working on his own. Next, we need to arrange more competitive training sessions with people around him and see how he reacts.”
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Despite the cautious approach to Saka’s recovery – his first major injury setback in his career, reports suggest the player is targeting a return in time for the clash against Real Madrid. According to The Mirror’s John Cross, Saka is eyeing a comeback that could see him feature in the squad for the Champions League tie, potentially making an impact from the bench.
Arsenal medical team is hopeful that Saka will continue to make steady progress over the next ten days, with the possibility of him being named on the bench for the Fulham match on April 1. However, Cross emphasised that Saka’s return is contingent on avoiding any setbacks, with the club determined not to rush his recovery.
If all goes according to plan, Saka could be back in action for Arsenal’s most significant fixtures of the season, including the high-stakes encounters against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium and the return leg at the Bernabeu eight days later.
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