BUKAYO SAKA is about to return to Arsenal.
After having hamstring surgery in December, the Gunners star was photographed today for the first time back in full training in London Colney.
Saka teased fans on Instagram with the remark, “Hello again,” and a smile with a thumbs up.
And according to SunSport, he might be named in the team to play Fulham on Tuesday night before crucial matches against Real Madrid and Everton.
Saka, 23, had surgery a few days after tearing his hamstring during a 5-1 Prem victory against Crystal Palace on December 21.
Since then, he has missed 19 games in all competitions, which led to Arsenal’s elimination from the FA.
Saka’s return for the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Real Madrid on April 8 was always the goal, and he appears to be on track to meet that goal.
Saka will have the chance to play against the Cottagers at the Emirates next week before traveling to Goodison Park to play Everton on April 5; Arteta is eager for Saka to earn some experience before then.
Despite Saka’s remarkable recuperation and rehabilitation thus far, Arsenal is still cautious about putting too much pressure on him too soon. In order to demonstrate his fitness and catch up, he will probably be granted cameo appearances off the bench.
While his colleagues have been abroad with their nations, Saka has increased the amount of training he does.
When asked about Saka’s progress prior to the break, Arteta responded, “Hopefully with more ball at his feet than he has had.”
He will be passing the ball, shooting, running, and doing all of that. He has already accomplished a great deal on the field by himself.
“Next, we need to set up a more competitive training session with those who are close to him and observe how he responds.”
Saka has been a consistent presence in and around the squad during his recuperation, even though he has been absent. At the beginning of the year, he was spotted supporting from the stands on crutches at the Emirates.
Saka traveled out with the team last month to continue his customized solo training regimen with light gym work during the club’s warm-weather break to Dubai.
He was also seen talking to Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel in the Wembley tunnel following England’s 3-0 victory over Latvia in Monday’s World Cup qualifying match.
Saka’s return has been facilitated by some much-needed relaxation, since he and his family went on vacation overseas in late January.
After Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were out for the season due to hamstring and knee injuries, respectively, midfielder Mikel Merino was forced to fill in as a center striker, leaving Arsenal in need of some attacking creativity.
During the international break, Riccardo Calafiori had to leave Italy’s squad due to a knee injury, dealing manager Mikel Arteta yet another setback.
It is impossible to overstate Saka’s impact. Despite a three-month hiatus, he continues to lead Arsenal in goals and assists in all competitions this season with nine goals and thirteen assists.
At the time of his injury, Arteta’s team was three points behind Premier League champions Liverpool; with nine games remaining, they are presently 13 points behind.
During the January transfer window, Arteta was keen to add players and was linked to Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa and Benjamin Sesko of Red Bull Leipzig, but he was unable to finalize a deal.
Given that Real Madrid will be missing four of their best players for the opening leg, Arsenal may get yet another significant boost.
Superstar attackers Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, former Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger, and former Gunner Dani Caballos are all under investigation by the Uefa for allegedly making lewd gestures during their Last-16 triumph over Atletico Madrid.
The most well-known case included Vinicius, who allegedly took six “shots” at Atletico supporters both during and after the altercation at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Conversely, Rudiger was charged with slicing the throat of Atleti supporters.
Ceballos, who returned to Real Madrid in 2021 after two years at Arsenal, is charged with making a pornographic one-armed gesture with a clenched fist.
Additionally, Mbappe was accused of making blatantly offensive touches on his genitalia.