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Arteta confirms huge Saka boost for Arsenal as Real Madrid tie looms

In contention: Bukayo Saka could make the Arsenal squad against Fulham

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Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is available to face Fulham, declaring the Arsenal star is “ready to go”.

Saka has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in December which needed surgery.

But his recovery has gone according to plan and the 23-year-old is now back in full training.

Arsenal are likely to be cautious with Saka’s comeback, but his impending return is a major boost for the Gunners ahead of their Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.

Mikel Arteta’s side face Fulham at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday before playing Everton at Goodison Park in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday.

Arsenal host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on April 8.

They play Brentford at home on April 12 before the return leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on April 16.

Speaking ahead of Fulham game, Arteta said: “Bukayo is ready to go.

"All the careful things are already done. Now it’s about getting him on the grass in the right moments. But he’s pushing. We’ve had to hold him back even.”

On whether Saka could start against Fulham, the Arsenal boss added: "Yes.

“He’s a massive weapon. We know how important his contribution is to our success. It’s great to have him back."

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