Bukayo Saka’s return from his hamstring injury is set to happen sooner than expected, as confirmed by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
The winger suffered the injury during Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace, which sidelined him for eight games and required surgery. His absence has been a significant blow to Arsenal’s attacking options, leaving the team struggling to replace his influence.
Although players like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus (albeit briefly), and Leandro Trossard have stepped in, Arsenal has still felt the void. Consequently, the club is reportedly exploring options in the transfer market to bolster their attacking lineup.
Despite the challenges, Arteta has confirmed that Saka’s recovery timeline remains on track. He is expected to return by March. Arteta noted that while Saka is progressing well and feeling better each day, the healing and rehabilitation process must be carefully followed to ensure a full recovery.
As Arsenal prepares for their Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium, the team received some positive news with the return of Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori.
Nwaneri’s recent injury was described as a setback by Arteta, who highlighted the young player’s consistent form before the injury. Arteta emphasized the importance of managing player workload to avoid future injuries, especially with the team competing in multiple tournaments.
Arsenal is in a strong position in the Champions League and is expected to perform well against Zagreb, a team that has struggled defensively in the tournament, conceding 15 goals in six games. This match presents an opportunity for the Gunners to solidify their advantage and secure progression.
Although Saka’s absence will continue for several weeks, the return of Calafiori and Nwaneri provides much-needed reinforcement for the squad. With Arsenal’s season in full swing, managing player availability and fitness remains a key focus as they aim to maintain their momentum across all competitions.
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