Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will return to training next week as he nears full recovery from a hamstring injury.
Saka has been sidelined since before Christmas after suffering a serious hamstring tear in a match against Crystal Palace. The England international underwent surgery and has since been forced to watch from the sidelines as Arsenal's title challenge faced setbacks. His absence has been further compounded by Gabriel Jesus' long-term injury, leaving Arteta with limited attacking options.
However, with the 2024-25 season reaching its decisive stages, Arteta has provided a positive update on Saka's progress.
"He's getting closer," Arteta said in his press conference on Friday. "He's stepping up and making very good progress. Let's see when we start to throw him in with the team, how he reacts, and how fit he can get quickly."
"He's going to be here next week, hopefully with the ball at his feet," he added. "That will mean he's passing, shooting, running-everything. He has already done quite a lot on his own on the pitch, so the next step is to integrate him into training with the team and see how he copes."
Arsenal will host London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, aiming for a morale-boosting victory before the international break. A win would set the tone for a crucial run of fixtures upon their return to club action next month.
The Gunners are also preparing for a Champions League quarter-final showdown against Real Madrid, with the first leg at the Emirates on April 8 and the return fixture in Spain the following week. Arteta confirmed that Saka is expected to be fit for those key encounters, with the 23-year-old set to increase his workload next week while the rest of the squad is away on international duty.
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