Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is “raring to go” and hinted that the winger could start in Tuesday’s match against Fulham.
Saka has been sidelined since December due to a serious hamstring injury, but he returned to training during the international break, sparking optimism that he could play a part in Arsenal’s first game after the recent pause.
Arteta was asked about Saka’s fitness during his pre-match press conference and dismissed concerns about rushing the 23-year-old back into action.
“Bukayo is ready to go,” Arteta said. “The careful work has already been done. Now it’s about putting him back on the pitch at the right moments. He’s pushing because he really wants it. We’ve respected the time frame, and we’ve done everything, so now we have to hold him back, even. He’s ready to go.”
When asked if Saka could start against Fulham, Arteta replied, “Yeah.”
Saka’s return is a major boost for an Arsenal attack that has struggled to score from open play during his absence, compounded by season-ending injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
With 11 assists and five goals in just 16 Premier League games, Saka ranks second in the assist charts, behind only Mohamed Salah, despite being out for over three months. Before his injury, he was on track to challenge the record for most assists in a single season (20).
“It’s another massive weapon that we have with him,” Arteta added. “We know the impact he has on the team and how important his role is to our success. It’s great to have him back, obviously.”
