Arsenal have received what coach Mikel Arteta described as a "huge boost" with the news that Bukayo Saka could participate in the match against Fulham. The England striker has been absent for three months due to injury.
The 23-year-old has not played since suffering a hamstring tear in December last year. However, Arteta has made it clear that he will not hesitate to bring Saka back to the squad immediately. The Spaniard confirmed Saka is ready after returning to full training during the international break last March.
Saka will return as Arsenal's best and most important player. "We know his impact on the team and how important his role and contribution to our success is," said Arteta.
After scoring a total of 22 goals and providing assists in just 24 appearances before being injured at the start of the season, Saka hopes to continue to maintain his impressive form. The "Gunners" may really need the English striker to appear in the match against Fulham. The same city has caused Arsenal many difficulties in recent encounters.
The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in December last year. They also only won 1 point out of 6 maximum points against coach Marco Silva's team last season. Arsenal lost 1-2 away and then drew 2-2 at the Emirates. Therefore, Saka's return is timely and extremely important for The Gunners.
"He's going to be a great source of energy. Saka has just missed out on what he loves most in life, which is practicing and competing with the whole team and competing at the highest level. Saka being able to play in the most important period of the season is a huge motivation for him and the whole team" - Arteta added.
The Spaniard has also said Riccardo Calafiori will be out for a few weeks, while Jurrien Timber is ready to play. During the FIFA Days in March, Calafiori suffered a knee injury in the match between Italy and Germany, while Timber missed the Netherlands match against Spain due to illness.
Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League with 58 points, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool. They will also have two important matches against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
