rsenal fans received a major lift on Monday as manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that star forward Bukayo Saka is “ready to go” after being sidelined for three months with a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old England international, who has netted nine goals across all competitions this season, last featured in Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on December 21st.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League clash against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta expressed confidence in Saka’s recovery. “Bukayo is ready to go,” the Arsenal boss said. “All the careful things are already done so now it’s about putting him on the grass in the right moments. But he’s pushing because he really wants to.”
Saka’s determination to return was evident, with Arteta revealing that the club had to “hold him back” at times during his rehabilitation. “We have respected the timeframe and we have done everything,” Arteta added. When pressed on whether Saka could feature in the starting lineup against Fulham, the Spaniard replied affirmatively: “Yeah, yeah.”
The return of Saka, whom Arteta described as “a massive weapon” for the team, comes at a critical juncture for Arsenal. The Gunners sit second in the Premier League table, 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool with just nine games remaining, making their title aspirations a long shot. However, their campaign remains alive in the Champions League, where they are set to host Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on April 8th.
Saka’s absence has coincided with a dip in Arsenal’s attacking output, exacerbated by long-term injuries to key forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. “Bukayo is a massive weapon,” Arteta emphasized. “We know the impact that he has had in the team and how important his role and his contribution is to our success. It’s great to have him back.”
With Saka poised to return, Arsenal will look to reignite their season against Fulham, a match that could set the tone for their upcoming European showdown. Fans will be eager to see their young talisman back in action as the Gunners aim to finish the campaign on a high note.
