Saka Feels Mentally Refreshed After Injury as Arsenal Prepare for Real Madrid Showdown
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has described his recent injury layoff as a much-needed mental reset ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old winger, who returned to action last week after 101 days out with a hamstring injury, says the break allowed him to reset after five intense years of non-stop football.
“It was really tough initially,” Saka said. “But once the surgery was successful, I focused on coming back stronger. Mentally, it was really good for me. I got to do things I don’t normally have time for. I feel fresh now.”
Saka scored in his comeback against Fulham and played 45 minutes in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday. Manager Mikel Arteta is optimistic the England international will be ready to start Tuesday night’s high-stakes tie against reigning European champions Real Madrid.
Arteta, who called the quarter-final “100%” the biggest match of his managerial career, said his team is ready despite injury setbacks. Arsenal will be without key players Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, and Kai Havertz for the first leg at the Emirates.
“There are things we cannot control,” Arteta admitted. “But I’m super convinced we’re ready to win. At 8pm, it’s 11 players and 60,000 fans—our mindset is clear.”
Real Madrid, 15-time European champions, also face challenges. First-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is fit again after a knee issue, while backup Andriy Lunin remains out. The Spanish giants suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Valencia at the weekend.
Courtois spoke highly of Arsenal, calling them a “strong team with a good mix of youth and experience.” But the Belgian was firm in his intent: “They’re doing great, but hopefully not in the Champions League this year.”
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti echoed the praise, saying, “There aren’t many teams that do so many things well. Arsenal are stronger than in the past, and they’ll only get better.”
With both sides eager to seize control of the tie, Tuesday night promises a blockbuster clash under the Emirates lights.
