Mikel Arteta is hopeful Bukayo Saka will make his long-awaited return from injury before Arsenal's Champions League tie against Real Madrid in April.
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Saka has not played for Arsenal since December due to hamstring problemEngland star is 'stepping up' his training according to ArtetaArsenal optimistic Saka will be fit for quarter-final against RealFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Arteta offered a positive update on Saka's injury progress, having seen his star man sidelined for the last three months after tearing his hamstring against Crystal Palace on December 21st. The Arsenal boss revealed that Saka is due back at the training ground next week to increase the intensity of his rehabilitation and work with the ball at his feet in a competitive environment.
AdvertisementgettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Arsenal's form has taken a downturn during Saka's absence, particularly with further injuries to key stars such as Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. However, while the Gunners sit 15 points off leaders Liverpool in the Premier League, albeit with a game in hand, they progressed through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 9-3 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven, where they will face La Liga giants Real Madrid hoping to have Saka back amongst their squad.
WHAT ARTETA SAID
"He is going to be here [at the Arsenal training ground] next week, hopefully more with ball at his feet than he has had," Arteta said "That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own. Next we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that.
"He's getting closer, he's stepping up and making a very good progress I would say. So, let's see when we start to throw him in with the team, how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal still have three important matches in the Premier League before they can turn their attention to Real Madrid, starting with a home match against Chelsea on Sunday. The international break will then provide a welcome recovery break for Arteta before games against Everton and Fulham prior to the first leg against Real at the Emirates in three weeks time.
