Bukayo Saka’s return is a huge boost for Arsenal ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. After three months out, he’s “ready to go,” according to Mikel Arteta. His presence restores balance to Arsenal’s attack, giving them renewed belief as they chase European glory this season.
Category
🥇
SportsTranscript
00:00Aside from Ricardo Calafiore's knee injury on international duty, Mikhail Arteta will
00:07have breathed a sigh of relief that Arsenal emerged from the break unscathed. In fact,
00:13they have come out even stronger. The biggest boost comes from Bakayo Saka, who Arteta insists
00:20is ready to go after more than three months out with a hamstring injury that required surgery.
00:28The 23-year-old was back at the Emirates and back in the goals against Fulham on Tuesday night.
00:35Saka's return is a lift for the entire club, not just because of his quality,
00:40but also the energy he transmits, as Arteta puts it. Arsenal need him at his best as they
00:46prepare for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.
00:57He's not a surprise to any of us and I think the best example is his reaction.
01:03Immediately after scoring a goal, what does he do? He goes and says,
01:07thank you for all the hard work that all the sports science guys, physios and everybody
01:12involved in the recovery has done for him to be able to be in the condition that he is. So,
01:17I think he lifted the stadium, the energy and great to have him back.
01:22It's no doubt Arsenal's attackers lack balance without Saka and his reinstatement has now
01:28provided the firepower needed for the season's decisive phase. His presence also allows 18-year-old
01:35Ethan Wanyeri's development to be managed. The England international returned for the first time
01:41at the Emirates since December and any concerns about rustiness did not sit well with Arteta,
01:48as Saka featured in a behind-the-closed-doors friendly and completed six consecutive full
01:54training sessions before the Fulham game. Without their star man, Arsenal's Champions League
02:01ambitions looked far-fetched. With him and once he's back up to speed, they have every reason
02:08to believe they can eliminate the holders and push for the ultimate prize.