What Bukayo Saka has been doing at Arsenal’s training ground this week as possible return date now revealed

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Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has taken the next step in his rehabilitation from injury in training this week, closing in on a return for the Gunners soon.

The winger has been a miss for the North London outfit for much of this season, having been on the sidelines for over three months.

Bukayo Saka picked up a hamstring tear injury in December during a clash with Crystal Palace, coming as a huge blow.

Surgery followed, along with pictures of the Hale End academy graduate on crutches, signalling a long spell out of the Arsenal side.

In the meantime, the Premier League title challenge has seemingly fallen apart, though the hope of a Champions League triumph is still firmly on the cards.

As a result, a return for Bukayo Saka in the coming weeks may well give Mikel Arteta the boost that he needs.

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Bukayo Saka steps up Arsenal training as Fulham return eyed

Bukayo Saka’s return from injury is imminent, with Arsenal hopeful that the star will be back on the pitch again soon.

It would mark a huge boost for the Gunners, ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid next month.

With that said, Charles Watts has claimed that the winger has stepped up in training to include work with the ball over the international break, in his Daily Briefing.

That is viewed as one of the final steps before he can be eased back into the squad and build up his fitness again.

On top of that, the reporter states that behind the scenes, there is a “growing hope” that Saka could feature against Fulham in the coming week.

Arsenal play host to their London rivals at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, April 1, with another big three points on the cards.

If Saka is to return, it’ll give him one week to get up to speed before the first leg against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

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Who could Bukayo Saka replace at Arsenal when returning from injury?

There will be a real dilemma for Arteta when Saka returns from injury, albeit a nice one, in that he will have to make some changes.

The likelihood is that the 23-year-old is likely to take his right-wing spot once again, having impressed there for many years now.

Beyond that, though, there may have to be a shuffle around in the ranks as to the other positions selected.

Saka’s return will mean Ethan Nwaneri could be the one to miss out, with the 18-year-old having taken his spot in his absence.

The youngster has impressed, though, and there could be a change in his future as Nwaneri can play several positions.

That may see him move to centre-forward, displacing Mikel Merino in the process as one of the options available.

Beyond that, Martin Odegaard’s position could be under threat, given his struggles at times this season.

Then there’s the duo of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both of whom are looking to regain some form on the left flank.

It remains to be seen who could drop out, but Saka’s return could change everything.