Bukayo Saka is ready to make a comeback for Arsenal against Fulham on Tuesday, says Mikel Arteta. The talented winger has not played since December after suffering a hamstring injury while Arsenal were winning in the Premier League against Crystal Palace. But he is now back to full training after undergoing surgery and increasing his recuperation during the international break. To further test his readiness, he participated in a friendly behind closed doors last week.
“Bukayo is ready to go,” Arteta said. “The cautious thing is already done. So it’s now about putting him on the grass in the right moments. But he’s pressing because he really wants it. We have respected the time frame, we have done everything and we have to keep him back even.”
With Liverpool facing Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday, Arsenal can capitalize on this to close the gap between the teams at the top of the table. Currently nine points behind the leaders, Arteta’s team is aware that each game makes a difference. Nonetheless, they have struggled against Fulham of late, unable to emerge victorious in their last three encounters. The comeback of Saka, one of their key players, might prove to be a big lift in their title pursuit.
Talking about the influence of Saka on the team, Arteta highlighted the passion and energy the young attacker provides. “It’s more the energy that he gives off, that he’s missed something he loves more than anything else in his life, which is being around the group, playing, training and competing at the top level. That he’s available for the most crucial time of the season is a huge lift for him and the team.”
Arsenal also presented their new sporting director, Andrea Berta, to the press on Monday after he was named as Edu’s replacement. The widely regarded football chief with an outstanding stint at Atlético Madrid will be present for the Fulham match. Arteta said how much he was looking forward to working with Berta and spoke about the quality he will bring to the club.
“Immediately the words that escape are always winning, getting better and asking for more,” Arteta said. “Vision very clear about what he wants to do. He was so keen to come with us, which is an extremely positive thing in itself because he has lots of other options. It’s now a matter of us giving him the help and the appreciation of the situation and background immediately and for him to begin to do what he has done consistently at the highest level for many, many years, and it’s been extremely impressive.”
The return of Saka and the arrival of Berta present a turning point for Arsenal as they move on in their campaign. The Gunners will be hoping these events give them the push they require to make their title race stronger as they look ahead to crucial games.
