Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka’s chances of playing for Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals are increasing.
Saka has been out for more than three months with a hamstring injury, but his return appears closer than ever.
In a press conference, Arteta said of Saka’s condition, “He’ll train next week, and hopefully he’ll be training with the ball more than he was. I mean passing, shooting, running, doing everything.”
He added, “Saka has done a lot of work on his own. We’ll need to sort things out so he can participate in a more competitive training session without any setbacks.”
He concluded, “He’s getting closer, he’s progressing, and he’s making very good progress, I would say. So, let’s see when we start bringing him into the squad, how he reacts and how quickly he can become fit.”
If all goes as planned, the England international could be on the bench for the first leg, scheduled for April 8, or, worse, for the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Saka has made 24 appearances for the Gunners this season, scoring nine goals and providing 13 assists, and his absence has been one of the most painful blows to Arteta’s squad.
