Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka is "ready to go" for his first match after a three-month absence due to a hamstring injury, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Monday.
The 23-year-old England international, who has scored nine goals in all competitions this season, has not played since Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on December 21.
"Bukayo is ready to go," Arteta said, speaking ahead of Tuesday's match against Fulham. "All the careful things are already done so now it’s about putting him on the grass at the right moments. But he’s pushing because he really wants to."
Arteta revealed that the club had followed a strict recovery plan, adding that they had to hold Saka back despite his eagerness to return. "We have respected the timeframe and we have done everything, and we had to hold him back, even. He is ready to go," Arteta explained.
When asked whether Saka could start against Fulham, currently eighth in the Premier League, Arteta responded affirmatively: "Yeah, yeah."
Saka’s return is seen as a major boost for Arteta’s side, who remain second in the league, but are 12 points behind Liverpool with only nine matches remaining, effectively ending their title hopes.
However, they have progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals and will face Real Madrid at home in the first leg on April 8.
Arteta expressed his confidence that Saka’s presence would provide a significant lift to the team, particularly with key players such as Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined by long-term injuries. "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," Arteta said. "The fact that he’s able to come in the most important part of the season is a massive boost for him and the team as well."
Arteta also pointed out that while Saka had not played for three months, his previous contributions to the team over the last 48 months made this absence feel like a minor setback. "He hasn’t played for three months, but has played for the last 48 months. So three in 48 is a very small percentage," he remarked.
In addition to Saka’s return, Arteta confirmed that defender Jurrien Timber was available after recovering from illness. However, Riccardo Calafiori would be sidelined after suffering a knee injury during international duty with Italy.
Arteta also praised the club’s newly appointed sporting director, Andrea Berta, following the Italian’s appointment on Sunday.
Berta, who had previously worked at Atletico Madrid, replaces former midfielder Edu in the role.
Arteta spoke highly of Berta’s experience and leadership qualities, saying, "We certainly believe that he is someone who is going to impact the club. And he’s got that experience, he’s got this personality as well, this charisma, and... will to win. That is going to be very contagious."
