Arsenal are in a difficult situation as we head into the business end of the season.
The title race is over in the eyes of many, but Arsenal are through to the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Gunners face Real Madrid in the next round of the Champions League, and they will need their star players to be bang at it if they’re to stand a chance of progressing.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, a number of their star players are sidelined with injury right now.
Kai Havertz is out for the season, while Bukayo Saka has been injured recently.
However, Saka is on the road to recovery, and according to James McNicholas, speaking on the Handbrake Off Podcast, Saka is expected to be back sooner rather than later.
When Bukayo Saka could return for Arsenal
According to McNicholas, Saka is expected to return to full training this month.
Saka is then expected to be back in first-team action after the upcoming international break.
“The last I heard, they expect him to return to full training. So full contact training at some point this month, with a view to being involved from when we return after the international break in April. That’s kind of the hopeful outcome, assuming there’s no setbacks or complications or issues,” McNicholas said.
“That Madrid game does come around very, very quickly, as you say. I think the home leg is the 8th, am I right in that? Yeah, April the 8th.
“Only one game before that, at the start of April, which is Everton away. I don’t know, I’d love to see him on the pitch. My gut says it might come a fraction too soon, that he might be more likely to be involved, maybe as a substitute than as a starter.”
Bukayo Saka stats this season
Saka’s return for Arsenal will be a massive boost for the Gunners.
Indeed, Saka is a world class player, and he’s been in red hot form when he has played this season.
Saka is a key creative and goalscoring force for Arsenal, and his stats on those fronts this season have been mightily impressive.
| Bukayo Saka Premier League stats | |
|---|---|
| Games | 16 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 10 |
Of course, Arsenal face an uphill battle if they want to get past Real Madrid in the Champions League, but if Saka is fit and available, their chances of getting past the Spanish giants will be much higher.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz won’t be back fit in time for the Champions League clash against Madrid, but, if all goes to plan, Saka should be able to feature against the reigning European champions.
