Bukayo Saka is fit and ready to return to action for Arsenal after a three-month absence due to a hamstring injury, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Monday.
The 23-year-old England international, who has netted nine goals across all competitions this season, has not played since Arsenal’s dominant 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on 21 December. However, speaking ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Fulham, Arteta assured fans that Saka is prepared to make his comeback.
“Bukayo is ready to go,” Arteta stated. “All the necessary precautions have been taken, so now it’s just about integrating him back onto the pitch at the right moments. But he’s eager—he really wants to be back.”
The Arsenal manager revealed that the club had followed the prescribed recovery timeline strictly, even holding Saka back at times to ensure he returned at full fitness. When asked if the winger could start against Fulham, Arteta confidently responded: “Yeah, yeah.”
Highlighting Saka’s importance, Arteta added: “Bukayo is a huge asset for us. We’ve seen the impact he has on the team, and his role in our success is undeniable. It’s fantastic to have him available again.”
Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League, 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool with only nine matches remaining, making a title challenge unlikely. However, they have progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals and will face Real Madrid in the first leg at the Emirates on 8 April.
Saka’s return comes as a significant boost for Arteta, who has struggled with attacking options in recent weeks due to long-term injuries sidelining both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
