Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that England international Bukayo Saka is ready to feature in Tuesday’s London derby against Fulham after returning from a lengthy layoff.
The 23-year old underwent surgery in December after suffering a tear to a muscle in his right leg, in the Gunners 5-1 win over Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.
Speaking ahead of the must-win match against the Cottagers as they look to catch up on runaway leaders Liverpool, Arteta stated that the England winger is ready for comeback and could make an appearance from the start.
“Bukayo is ready to go. The careful things are already done, so now it’s about putting him on the grass in the right moments, but he is pushing because he really wants it”, he said.
Arsenal have suffered several injuries this season with the likes of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Riccardo Calafiori, all suffering time on the sidelines.
“We have respected the time-frame, we have done everything. We had to hold him back even, so now he is ready to go.
He is another massive weapon,” added Arteta. “We know the impact he has had on the team and how important his role and his contribution is to our success, so it’s great to have him back.”
Saka recently returned to full training and his return is a massive boost for the Gunners, ahead of next month’s crucial UCL quarterfinal against reigning champions Real Madrid.
“The fact he is able to come in the most important part of the season is a massive boost for him and to the team as well.
You haven’t played for three months but you played for the last 48. Three in 48 is a very small percentage”, the Spaniard added.
The Hale End product had scored nine goals and provided 14 assists before his injury in December and will hope to add to his tally, should he make an appearance on Tuesday.
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