Arsenal boss Arteta makes five-word Saka statement and shares ‘unfortunate’ new injury

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka is back from injury and may even start when Fulham travel to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. “Bukayo is ready to go”, claimed the head coach, who has been without his influential winger since December 21.

He did also share that Riccardo Calafiori picked up an “unfortunate” injury while away on international duty, but Jurrien Timber has recovered from illness and will be in the squad to face Fulham.

Many would have expected Saka’s return to the first-team would have been gradual after three months on the sidelines, but Arteta was more than happy to tease the prospect of the England star being named in the starting line-up.

“We had a good time to reflect and reset and put ourselves in this part of the season,” Arteta said after an extended break following international football and an FA Cup weekend. “Bukayo is ready to go! He is pushing, we have to respect the timeframe. He is ready to go.”

When directly asked in his press conference if Saka could start for the visit of Marco Silva’s outfit, the Spaniard replied: “Yeah.

“His role and his contribution to our success is so important to us. The fact that he able to come in at the most important part of the season is massive.”