Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given an update on the fitness of Bukayo Saka ahead of a potential return from injury for the side’s Premier League clash with Fulham in midweek.
The Gunners play host to their London rivals at the Emirates Stadium in their return from the international break, looking to kickstart another fine run of form.
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While the Premier League seems out of reach, the North London outfit will be looking to finish strong, all while the Champions League is still up for grabs.
The key to doing well in both could be Bukayo Saka, who is finally closing in on a return to action for Arsenal.
Saka picked up a torn hamstring injury in December, which later required surgery and a lengthy recovery process.
With the star back in training, he is looking to make a return to action just in time for the Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.
Mikel Arteta gives Bukayo Saka injury return update before Arsenal vs Fulham
There has been growing hope that Arsenal could see Bukayo Saka return to the side against Fulham in what could be a huge boost.
While it would appear unlikely that it could be from the start, many have been hopeful that the winger will feature at least in the squad on the substitutes’ bench.
When asked about that possibility in his pre-match press conference, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “Bukayo is ready to go.”
On how much of a role he could play, he said: “All the careful thing is already done. So now it’s about putting him on the grass at the right moments, but he is pushing because he really wants it.
“We respected the time frame and we had to hold him back even, so he’s ready to go.”
On whether he could start, he added: “Yeah, he can…”
It comes as a huge boost for the Gunners, who will now be able to call upon their star for such an important run of matches.
Arsenal must be cautious with Bukayo Saka’s injury return
There is, quite naturally, plenty of excitement surrounding a potential return to action for Bukayo Saka soon.
However, it’s worth treading with caution when it comes to throwing him straight back into action for Arsenal.
Such a lengthy layoff will take plenty of time to reach top gear from once again, not least a hamstring issue that will impact those short bursts of pace.
With some big games coming up and a whole career still ahead of him, Arsenal must be cautious when it comes to throwing Saka back into action.
With Ethan Nwaneri impressing on the right, there is little rush to get his fellow Hale End academy star thrown straight back into the starting lineup.
Mikel Arteta can, instead, ease him back with some cameo appearances before deciding it is right to give him an immediate start again.
Whether that will be against Real Madrid or anyone else, it remains to be seen.
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