Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is fit and available for selection ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Fulham on Tuesday night.
The 23-year-old winger has been sidelined for over three months after suffering a hamstring tear against Crystal Palace just before Christmas, which required surgery. However, following an extensive rehabilitation process, Saka has completed his recovery in time for the crucial fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta revealed that Saka is eager to return to action as Arsenal prepare for a decisive run-in, with both Premier League and Champions League glory still within reach.
“Bukayo is ready to go,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference. “All the careful things have already been done, so now it’s about putting him on the grass in the right moments.
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“He’s pushing because he really wants it. We have respected the timeframe, we have done everything, and we even had to hold him back at times, but now he’s ready to go.
“He’s another massive weapon that we have. We know the impact he has on the team and how important his role and contribution are to our success, so it’s great to have him back.”
Arsenal
Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka will be available for Arsenal against Fulham (Image credit: Getty Images
Arteta also provided updates on Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, who both missed international action during the break.
Calafiori was forced off late in Italy’s match against Germany and missed the subsequent fixture due to a knee problem. Meanwhile, Timber was sidelined for the Netherlands’ games due to illness.
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While Timber is expected to be available, the outlook on Calafiori is less optimistic.
“He picked up an injury again with the national team,” Arteta said. “It’s really unfortunate the way it happened. It could have been much worse, so hopefully, it’s just a matter of weeks, but we’ll have to see how the injury evolves.
“Jurrien was ill for a long period, quite badly. He’s felt much better in the last few days, so he’s available.”
With Saka back in contention and Timber available, Arsenal will hope to maintain their push for the Premier League title. The Gunners sit second in the table, trailing Liverpool, who face Everton in the Merseyside Derby on Wednesday. A win against Fulham would keep Arteta’s side firmly in the title race as they head into the final stretch of the season.
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