Mikel Arteta Provides Injury Update On Bukayo Saka After Hamstring Surgery Recovery

‎Mikel Arteta has announced that Bukayo Saka is in line to start for Arsenal in their home match against Fulham on Tuesday following his recovery from hamstring surgery.

‎The England forward has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring rupture during the Premier League win over Crystal Palace in December.

‎However, he has been increasing his training intensity during the international break and participated in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week.

‎“Bukayo is ready to go,” Arteta said.

‎“The careful thing is already done. So now it’s about putting him in the grass at the right moments. But he’s pushing because he wants it.

‎”We have respected the time frame, we have done everything and we have to hold him back even. So he’s ready to go.”

‎With Liverpool facing Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday, Arsenal have an opportunity to go nine points behind the leaders, although they haven’t beaten Fulham in their past three attempts.

‎Asked whether Saka’s return could help to reignite their title challenge, Arsenal’s manager said, “It’s more the energy that he transmits, that he’s missed the thing that he loves the most in his life, which is to be around the team, to play, to train and to compete at the highest level.

‎”And the fact that he’s able to come in the most important part of the season is a massive boost for him and to the team as well.”

‎Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, was presented to the media before Mikel Arteta’s press conference after being announced as Edu’s successor on Sunday.

‎Berta will be present at the match against Fulham, and Arteta expressed his enthusiasm about collaborating with the individual who helped build his reputation at Atlético Madrid.

‎“Straight away, the words that come out are always winning, improving, and demanding,” Arteta said.

‎“Very clear vision of what he wants to do. He was so willing to join us, which is a very positive thing as well because he has many other possibilities and he’s chosen to come to us. And now it’s about us giving him the support and the understanding of the situation and context straight away.

‎”And for him to start to do what he’s already done for many, many years at the highest level, which has been very impressive.”