Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that winger Bukayo Saka is fit to return after three months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
The England international underwent surgery after picking up the injury during Arsenal’s Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on December 21. Now fully recovered, Saka is in contention to feature in Tuesday’s league clash against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.
“Bukayo Saka is ready to go,” Arteta said. “All the careful things are already done. Now it’s about putting him on the grass at the right moment, but he’s pushing because he really wants to. We have respected the timeline and done everything.”
Saka has been instrumental for Arsenal this season, scoring nine goals and providing 10 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions. His return will be a significant boost for the Gunners, who sit second in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with nine games left.
Injury Concerns for Calafiori
While Saka’s return is a major positive, Arsenal have suffered a setback with defender Riccardo Calafiori, who sustained a knee injury while on international duty for Italy against Germany on March 20.
“It could have been much worse,” Arteta said. “Hopefully, it’s just a matter of weeks, but we have to see how the injury evolves.”
Arsenal Welcome New Sporting Director
Arsenal’s newly appointed sporting director, Andrea Berta, was present at Monday’s press conference after being named as Edu’s successor.
Arteta praised Berta’s decision to join Arsenal despite interest from other clubs, saying the Italian was “positive” about the project.
With Saka back in action and a crucial run-in ahead, Arsenal will be hoping to close the gap on Liverpool as the season nears its climax.
