Bukayo Saka is set to make his return for Arsenal after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three months, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Monday.
The 23-year-old England international, who has netted nine goals across all competitions this season, has been absent since Arsenal’s commanding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on December 21.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League clash against Fulham, Arteta expressed confidence in Saka’s readiness, “Bukayo is ready to go,” Arteta 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.
“We have respected the timeframe and we have done everything and we had to hold him back, even. He is ready to go.”
When asked if Saka could start at the Emirates, the Arsenal boss responded affirmatively: “Yeah, yeah.”
Arteta further highlighted Saka’s importance to the team, saying, “Bukayo is a massive weapon. We know the impact that he has had in the team and how important his role and his contribution is to our success. It’s great to have him back.”
Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 points with just nine matches remaining, making a title challenge unlikely.
However, they remain in contention for European glory, having reached the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face Real Madrid in the first leg on April 8.
Saka’s return comes as a major boost for Arteta, who has been grappling with a depleted attacking lineup following injuries to key forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
