Bukayo Saka is 'obligated' to go on holiday as Arsenal attacker continues recovery from injury

Saka has remained sidelined since last month after he tore his hamstring during a clash against Crystal Palace. The England star is slowly recovering from the injury setback, however, he is not expected to be back in action for the Gunners until at least March.

Up until now, Saka was living close to the squad during his recovery process and was even in attendance at Emirates Stadium earlier this week to watch the North London derby. However, manager Mikel Arteta has now advised the winger to take a well-earned leave and come back with a refreshed mind.

Speaking to reporters, the Spanish boss said: "He needs to. He is obligated to go. With his girlfriend or his family, he can choose. Or on his own. But he needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He can still do a lot of things with his rehab because it is the perfect stage. I think it will make him really better.

"He is [around the squad], and he has been every single day there [at the training ground]. There is a moment, especially when we are going to be away for a few days that he needs to do that. That is very important for him as well. We need to look after our players. Bukayo hasn’t had any time off for the past two seasons, so it’s a moment where maybe he can have a break as well, in other parts of his life, be closer to his family - great."

The Gunners will be back in action on Saturday as they take on Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League encounter at home.