Bukayo Saka Set for Arsenal Return After Injury

Bukayo Saka Nears Return as Arsenal Monitor His Recovery

Saturday, March 29, 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is edging closer to a return to action following a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing hamstring surgery in December 2024.

The 23-year-old winger was photographed back in training at London Colney for the first time since the operation, offering a welcome boost to the Gunners’ squad. Saka took to Instagram to share his progress, posting a cheerful image flashing a thumbs-up, accompanied by the caption: “Hello again.”

Saka has been working tirelessly to regain fitness and could make his comeback as early as Tuesday, when Arsenal face Fulham. His return is being carefully managed ahead of two crucial fixtures—against Everton on April 5 and, more significantly, against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg on April 8 at Emirates Stadium.

The England international sustained the injury during Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace on December 21, which led to surgery shortly thereafter. Since then, he has missed 19 matches across all competitions—a stretch during which Arsenal were eliminated from both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, and saw their Premier League title hopes dwindle.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains cautious about Saka’s reintegration into competitive action, aiming to ensure the player is fully match-fit before being given a more prominent role.

“We’re hoping he can get more touches on the ball—pass, shoot, dribble—just get his rhythm back,” said Arteta. “We want to test him through intense training sessions to evaluate his readiness.”

Despite his absence on the pitch, Saka has remained closely involved with the team. He has been present during matches, often seen supporting his teammates from the sidelines—even while using crutches. He was also part of the squad that traveled to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp during the winter break.

That camp, however, saw Arsenal suffer further injury setbacks. Midfielder Kai Havertz picked up a muscle injury that will sideline him until next season, while forward Gabriel Jesus is also expected to be out for the remainder of the campaign.

Before his injury, Saka had an impressive run of form—scoring nine goals and providing 13 assists across all competitions.

As Arsenal prepare for a critical phase of the season, Saka’s return could prove pivotal in bolstering their campaign both domestically and in Europe.