Arteta: Saka, our massive weapon, is ready to go!

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has confirmed the availability of Bukayo Saka for selection when they host Fulham in a Premier League MatchWeek 30 at the Emirates on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old has not played for the Gunners since he featured for 24 minutes in Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Crystal Palace at Selhurts Park in a Premier League game on December 21, 2024 following a hamstring injury.

The Nigeria-born England international has missed 12 Premier League games for the Gunners and Arteta has not only confirmed his return but expressed delight that the north London side will now have him back at the business end of the league.

‘All of the careful things he’s already done. It’s about putting him on the grass in the right moment. He’s pushing. He really wants it. We have respected the timeline. We had to even hold him back. He’s ready to go,’ Arteta said at his pre-match presser.

The Arsenal boss says he is delighted to have such an important player back.

‘Bukayo is a massive weapon that we have. We know the impact he has in the team and how important his role and contribution is to our success. It’s great to have him back again,’ he said and revealed what is special about Saka.

“It is the energy that he transmits. He has missed the thing that he loves the most in his life – which is to be around the team, to play, train and compete at the highest level.

“The fact that he is able to come in the most important part of the season is a massive boost for him and the team as well.

“It’s important to get it out of your head that you haven’t played for three months but he has played for the last 48 months. And three in 48 is a small percentage. So the habit is there.”