Theo Walcott sends strong Bukayo Saka injury warning after Mikel Arteta’s bold Arsenal decision against Fulham

Add as preferred source on Google

Bukayo Saka is finally back in action for Arsenal after missing three months due to injury.

The winger sustained a serious hamstring issue away at Crystal Palace in December and has been sidelined ever since.

Saka underwent surgery as part of his rehabilitation process, spending several weeks recovering before returning to training in late March.

Arsenal’s form has dipped without their talisman, but the long wait for him to be available for selection for Mikel Arteta’s team again has finally come to an end, after he was named on the bench against Fulham on Wednesday night.

• READ MORE: Nani says he has noticed an interesting change in Viktor Gyokeres, it explains why Arsenal want to sign him

Theo Walcott sends Bukayo Saka warning about Arsenal return

The initial diagnosis suggested that Saka would miss three months or so, and this diagnosis has proven to be accurate.

Sustaining his injury on 21st December, he returned to the Arsenal squad on 1st April.

Mikel Arteta claimed on Friday that Saka could start against Fulham, although the Spaniard has ultimately erred on the side of caution.

Speaking on Arsenal’s YouTube channel prior to the clash with the Cottagers, former Gunners winger Theo Walcott warned Saka and the club’s medical team about the dangers of rushing the player back.

“Do you know what? You have to be patient with these injuries, you do,” Walcott said.

“But this is the thing, I’m sure he wanted to get back early but the guys now, the physios, a hamstring, particularly an operation on one, you need to be careful because you don’t want it to continue to happen.

“He’s very professional, he’s very level-headed, he understands his body well, he’s never missed this period of time… great to see him back in the squad.”

Theo Walcott is right about Bukayo Saka

While Walcott’s comments might be seen as fear-mongering, he’s merely looking out for Saka’s well-being and is ultimately right with his verdict.

Saka’s injury was serious and he’ll need time to bed in and get back to his best.

Arteta needs to reintegrate him extremely carefully, making sure he’s not rushed back and made to play excessive minutes straight away.

The Spaniard should perhaps look to start him in both Real Madrid games, while giving him short cameos in the league over the next few weeks.

Judging by the Arsenal boss leaving Saka on the bench for the Fulham clash, it appears he’s prepared to be patient with his best player.