Bukayo Saka has already featured for Arsenal in a friendly behind closed doors, as well as having a long run in full training with the senior side.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal applauds the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Arsenal FC and AS Monaco at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2024. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
When Mikel Arteta confirmed on Monday that Bukayo Saka is in contention for a start for Arsenal against Fulham on Tuesday night, many fans were a little taken aback.
Everyone knew that Saka was on the verge of a comeback, but there was concern that it might be too soon for the winger to have any serious involvement on the pitch.
Explaining why he feels so confident that Saka can play a significant role, Arteta confirmed that the winger has already been involved in a behind-closed-doors friendly, as well as a lot of full training sessions with the team.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Arsenal FC and AS Monaco at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2024. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
“Yeah, we played once,” Arteta confirmed. “But before that he had six consecutive sessions with the team, and he was good. We played that game, he felt completely fine, so that’s why I’m sure.
“We have managed to replicate almost every scenario. At the end, you need that 60,000 stadium, a different competitive level, a referee, and [to] play that game.”
Arteta had suggested earlier in the press conference that far from rushing Saka back, Arsenal have actually taken an overly-cautious approach with the winger.
“We have respected the timeframe, we have done everything, and we even had to hold him back,” Arteta said. “He’s ready to go.”
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 26: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal from a penalty kick during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 26, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
There will still be concern about Saka’s fitness until he gets a run of games under his belt, as those outside of the club have no way of really knowing how the 23-year-old is doing until he’s out there for everyone to see.
But the hope is that Saka really is “ready to go”, and that after a couple of warm-up games against Fulham and Everton, he’s ready to take on Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.
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