Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Bukayo Saka will be fit to make his Arsenal return after the international break. The England winger has been sidelined since early December after suffering a serious hamstring injury against Crystal Palace.
Following surgery the first of his career Saka has been steadily recovering. Reports earlier on Sunday suggested he might return before the end of the month, giving Arsenal a much-needed boost.
Arsenal face a busy schedule, with a Champions League fixture midweek followed by a Premier League clash against Chelsea next Sunday. However, they won’t play again until April 1, offering Saka more time to regain full fitness.
Asked about Saka’s recovery after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United, Arteta provided a positive update. He stated that Saka’s progress has been encouraging and expressed optimism that he could be back within a few weeks.
Arteta is eager for his star winger to return, especially after Arsenal’s lackluster attacking display against United. The Gunners struggled to create clear-cut chances despite dominating possession.
Reflecting on his team’s missed opportunities, Arteta emphasized the need for better decision-making in the final third. He noted that Arsenal failed to capitalize on promising situations, rushing key moments and losing vital duels.
Defensively, Arsenal nearly handed the game to United. Arteta was critical of how his team allowed chances, stressing that moments of carelessness could have cost them the match.
Despite the frustration, the manager remains confident. With Saka’s return on the horizon, Arsenal will hope to regain their sharpness as they continue their push for a strong finish to the season.