Arsenal are hopeful that Bukayo Saka will be in the starting lineup when the Gunners take on Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie next month, according to reports.
The winger has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since mid-December. He has had to undergo an operation and intensive rehabilitation since then. However, The Mirror claim that there is a chance he will be on the bench to face Fulham at the start of April in view to playing a full part in the match against Real seven days later.
Fans on X are delighted that Saka could return for such an important game but some are worried that the player could be rushed back too soon:
He will make such a difference when he comes back, I just hope he can hit the ground running.
— Tim CB (@balmer_tim) March 17, 2025
I've missed the star boy, fr π
— D'Hood Bros (@AfcHood) March 17, 2025
Sakaβs return couldnβt be timed better! Madrid better brace themselves.
— Shauvik Kumar (@shauvikkumar) March 18, 2025
Waited for times like thisπ₯Ή
— π¨ππππ πΎππππππΊπ¬ (@omonyalfred8) March 17, 2025
feels rushed like crazy…but anyway, we'll see
— Forrest (@Forrestmeen) March 18, 2025
Game changer. We can now get through to the next round.
— Martinelli Whip β‘οΈ (@MartinelliWhip) March 17, 2025
Hope it won't be April fool
— Kingthobbie07ππΏ π§πͺ (@Kingthobbie07) March 17, 2025
Arteta has expressed optimism about Saka’s return date
Speaking after the 1-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend, manager Mikel Arteta said that there was a “good chance” of the England international being back soon after the international break.
Saka has not taken part in full team training yet but he has been working on his physical fitness so the timeline for returning to action in two to three weeks seems realistic.
Arsenal need everyone available for such a massive fixture
The Gunners will undoubtedly be underdogs for the two-legged tie versus Real. The absence of a genuine No.9 due to injuries will make things a lot harder for Arteta’s men.
However, a fit Saka would greatly improve the team’s chances of securing passage through to the next round. We shall have to wait and see whether he is named in the eleven for the first leg at the Emirates.
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