The winger scored after just seven minutes to help Arsenal defeat Fulham on Tuesday night, and Mikel Arteta praised the long-awaited return of Bukayo Saka from injury as a “beautiful moment.”
After missing 101 days due to a hamstring injury that necessitated surgery, the 23-year-old was brought on in the 66th minute and scored a few seconds later to add to Mikel Merino’s goal in the first half.
Saka hurried to the Arsenal dugout to join the team’s physiotherapists and sports scientists in celebrating his goal, which was a back-post header from Gabriel Martinelli’s flick on.
“I think (it was) a beautiful moment to see how much our people love, respect, and admire Bukayo,” Arteta remarked. His response, in my opinion, is the best illustration.
What does he do as soon as he scores a goal? He goes on to express his gratitude to the sports science team, physiotherapists, and all those engaged in his recuperation for their tireless efforts in enabling him to reach his current state.
“I think he brought energy to the stadium, and it’s great to have him back.”
Despite Saka’s return, the Gunners had a mixed night as center defender Gabriel was sidelined after just 16 minutes due to a hamstring issue.
Prior to their Champions League quarterfinal first-leg matchup against Real Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday, it is a devastating blow. On Wednesday, he and Jurrien Timber, who has a knee issue, will be evaluated.
“Yes, there is concern because he (Gabriel) never comes off,” Arteta continued. He had a feeling. Its size is unknown to us.
“Jurrien too.” Early in the game, he was already having trouble. After a while, he was unable to continue.
We have no idea how they will behave. To further understand how we are with them, we will be evaluating them tomorrow (today).