Arsenal are excited to have Bukayo Saka returning after injury absence, above all else, then face Fulham next in the Premier League.
This return will just about coincide with an important day for their club, since they are now closing in on the last stretch of the season, which only has nine league games left and at least two Champions League matches to play.
A Much-Needed Boost for Arsenal
Saka has not been in action since December; that is when Arsenal dismantled Crystal Palace with an impressive performance in the end to secure a 5-1 victory.
He has been sorely missed, and most of the time, the team has been unable to replicate the sort of attacking threat and creativity he brings to the squad.
Having No. 7 back would be a definite morale boost for the Gunners; it would strengthen the team with even more devastating attacking quality.
The timing couldn’t be better because this is the period to keep up in the league while strengthening the approach in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta Confirms Saka’s Return
Saka’s fitness had been the subject of much conjecture; according to some accounts, he was still a week or two away from being ready for a match.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has allayed any concerns, though, by stating that the youthful winger is prepared to play against Fulham.
Much to the delight of fans, Arteta stated: “Bukayo is ready to go,” through Arsenal’s official website.
Cautious Management of Saka’s Return
Naturally, it is a cause for excitement, but has to be managed carefully in terms of possible minutes because Saka has spent over three months out. There is every caution with that to ensure that the injury doesn’t get aggravated.
These are Arteta’s words regarding this issue: “Well, all the careful things he’s already done. So now it’s about putting him in the grass at the right moments. But he’s pushing because he wants it.
We have respected the timeframe, we have done everything, and we have had to hold him back even. So he’s ready to go.”
In light of this, Saka is unlikely to start against Fulham but will get a match-by-match introduction until fully fit.
Significance of Bukayo Saka’s Return for Arsenal’s Season
To have Saka available might prove significant in what shape this run finishes. He has a magic wand for creating goals and putting them together for others to thrive.
Thus, he becomes an asset to the team. His return would, indeed, in part help lessen the burden on other more important attack figures, such as Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard, thereby making for an enrichment of dynamism within attack.
The Gunners then need to face Fulham and subsequently Everton ahead of a highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid.
Check Out: Arsenal to Face Real Madrid in Champions League Quarter-Finals
If all goes as Saka is poised to be fit in time for some domestic minutes, he would do much to regaining sharpness leading into a clash with one of Europe’s giants.
What Arsenal Fans Can Expect
With Arsenal embroiled in a grueling title race and European engagements getting hot, Saka’s return could be priceless. While the fans will want to see him in full flower, patience will be required as he builds back his match fitness.
The club will look to manage his playing time as best as they can, having one eye on a few very important fixtures coming up and the other on not aggravating his injury.
Final Thoughts
Saka’s return is a relief and a cause for excitement for the fans of Arsenal. One of the most thrilling young talents in football today, his presence on the pitch can change the course of games.
If he is brought back carefully and efficiently, Arsenal will hope for him to be back to full form right in time for the most decisive stretch of the season.
When Fulham comes to visit North London, all eyes will be on Saka to secure a well-deserved return. This could be the magic wand that brings Arsenal alive in both their domestic and European tournaments.
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