Arteta: Saka will be back to his best after recovery

Bukayo Saka underwent hamstring surgery in December 2024 after picking up an injury in the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace. Saka is expected to be out until at least March this year. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confident that the recovery period will help the player regain his fitness and return to his best.

“We discussed what we can do together and what he needs to do to use the time wisely to improve, to make sure he is as effective as possible, so that when he comes back he is in the right shape.”

“He has spent a lot of time with the team. It is great to have him. He always has a smile on his face. He is going through a difficult period because he has never had an injury that has lasted so long,” Arteta said.

Arsenal have already lost several key players to injury this season, including captain Martin Odegaard (ankle ligament damage) and right-back Ben White (knee injury).

“We do it for all the players who are injured. But we do it for our fans and because it’s our job and our passion to try and do everything we can to win football games,” Arteta said.