S Poddar
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is set to return to Arsenal in their next game against Fulham on Tuesday. The brilliant winger has missed out since December after injuring his hamstring in Arsenal’s Premier League victory against Crystal Palace. But having gone through the operation and stepped up his rehabilitation during the international break, he is now fully in training. He played in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week to further test his fitness.
“Bukayo is ready to go,” Arteta said. “The cautious thing is already achieved. So now it’s about sticking him in the grass at the appropriate times. But he’s agitating because he desperately wants it. We have respected the time frame, we have done everything and we have to keep him back even.”
With Liverpool hosting Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday, Arsenal has a chance to cut the gap at the top of the table. Bidding nine points behind the league leaders, Arteta’s team knows that each game matters. But they have been struggling against Fulham of late, unable to win any of their last three games. The return of Saka, who is one of the most impactful players, may give them a major lift in their title pursuit.
Talking about Saka’s impact on the team, Arteta stressed the pace and passion the young forward injects. “It’s more the energy he brings, that he’s lost the thing he loves most in his life, that is being with the team, playing, training and competing at the highest level. That he can return at the biggest moment of the season is a huge lift for him and the team.”
Arsenal also unveiled their new sporting director, Andrea Berta, to the press on Monday after his appointment as a replacement for Edu. The much-respected football administrator, famous for his stellar stint at Atlético Madrid, will be present for the Fulham match. Arteta was thrilled to work with Berta and emphasized the attributes he brings to the club.
“Immediately the words that are spoken are always improving, winning and demanding,” Arteta explained. “Very clear vision of what he wants to do. He was so eager to join us, which is a very good thing too because he has lots of other options. Now it’s a matter of us being able to provide him with the support and the awareness of the circumstances and context immediately and for him to begin to do what he’s been doing at the top level for many, many years now, which has been really impressive.”
As Arsenal continues their push for the title, Saka’s return, along with the signing of Berta, marks an important time for the club. With major games on the horizon, the Gunners will be hoping that these changes give the impetus to drive their title challenge forward.
