Bukayo Saka is set to make his long-awaited return to the pitch after three months on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Monday.
The England international, who has been a key figure for the Gunners this season with nine goals in all competitions, last played in Arsenal’s dominant 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on December 21. Since then, his absence has been felt as the team juggled Premier League and Champions League commitments.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s match against Fulham, Arteta provided an encouraging update on the 23-year-old winger’s fitness.
“Bukayo is ready to go,” the Spanish manager stated. “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.”
Arteta acknowledged that the club had to be cautious in handling Saka’s rehabilitation, ensuring he did not return prematurely.
“We have respected the timeframe and have done everything we needed to. We even had to hold him back a little,” Arteta added. “But now, he is fully fit and eager to contribute.”
When asked if Saka could start against eighth-placed Fulham at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta did not hesitate.
“Yeah, yeah,” he responded, hinting at the possibility of the winger being included in the starting lineup.
Saka’s return comes at a crucial time for Arsenal, who are second in the Premier League, 12 points behind Liverpool with nine games remaining. Although their title hopes appear slim, they remain in the hunt for European glory, with a Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid looming on April 8.
“Bukayo is a massive weapon,” Arteta emphasized. “We know the impact he has on the team, how important his role is, and the contributions he makes to our success. It’s great to have him back.”
With Arsenal struggling for attacking options due to injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Saka’s comeback offers a timely boost. Arteta believes the young star’s presence will elevate the team’s morale.
“It’s more than just his ability—it’s the energy he brings,” Arteta explained. “He has missed being on the pitch, training with the team, and competing at the highest level. To have him return at this critical stage of the season is a huge lift for everyone.”
Despite his extended layoff, Arteta is confident Saka will quickly regain his form.
“He hasn’t played for three months, but he’s played for the last 48 months. So three in 48 is a very small percentage,” the Arsenal boss quipped.
Meanwhile, Arsenal received mixed updates on other squad members. Defender Jurrien Timber is available after recovering from illness, but Riccardo Calafiori is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury while on international duty for Italy.
Arteta also spoke highly of Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, whose appointment was confirmed on Sunday. The 53-year-old Italian, formerly of Atletico Madrid, replaces the club’s former midfielder Edu in the role.
“We certainly believe that he is someone who is going to impact the club,” Arteta said of Berta. “He has experience, charisma, and a strong will to win. That mentality will be contagious.”
