Bukayo Saka is BACK! Arsenal handed huge boost as Mikel Arteta confirms star winger is in contention to start Fulham clash after long injury layoff

England international Saka has been out of action since late 2024. His last appearance for the Gunners came in 5-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on December 21. The 23-year-old has spent several weeks nursing his way back from a hamstring complaint.

Saka was forced to undergo surgery after picking up an untimely muscle problem, but is now “ready to go” once more. He comes back into contention at a crucial stage of the season for Arsenal, as they ready themselves for vital fixtures at home and abroad.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said when delivering an update on Saka ahead of a London derby date with Fulham at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday: “Bukayo is ready to go. All the careful things are already done. Now it’s about getting him on the grass in the right moments. But he’s pushing. We’ve had to hold him back even. He’s a massive weapon. We know how important his contribution is to our success. It’s great to have him back." When asked if Saka might even start, Arteta responded: "Yeah."

While Saka is fighting fit once more, Arsenal lost Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori to injury during the international break. Arteta added: “Calafiori unfortunately picked up an injury with the national team. Unfortunate but lucky it wasn’t much worse. Hopefully a matter of weeks.”

After playing host to Fulham, Arsenal will head to Everton on Saturday for a final meeting with the Toffees at Goodison Park. The first leg of their heavyweight Champions League quarter-final clash with reigning kings of Europe Real Madrid will then take place in north London on April 8.