Will Saka make it back? Arsenal star eyes Real Madrid return | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka is stepping up his recovery in hopes of returning in time for Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Will he make it back in time?

Photo via Arsenal.com

Bukayo Saka is reportedly accelerating his recovery in a bid to return in time for Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, with Mikel Arteta hopeful that his star winger will be fit to feature in the massive tie.

Saka targeting return in time for Real clash – The Times, 15 March 2025

Saka has been sidelined since before Christmas after suffering a torn right hamstring in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace, an injury that required surgery and has forced him to miss 18 matches.

Arteta has remained cautiously optimistic about Saka’s progress and expects the 23-year-old to step up his rehabilitation this week.

“Bukayo will hopefully do more with the ball at his feet than he has, passing, shooting and running,” Arteta said. “He’s getting closer. When we throw him in with the team, let’s see how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly.”

According to the report, there is a possibility that Saka could feature in Arsenal’s games against Fulham or Everton in early April, which would serve as ideal preparation ahead of their showdown with Real Madrid.

His return would be a significant boost as Arsenal aim to get past the 14-time European champions, a club with an unrivalled Champions League pedigree.

Arteta had already ruled Saka out of England duty for the upcoming international break, ensuring that his recovery remains under Arsenal’s control.

Photo via Arsenal.com

Thomas Tuchel, who named his first England squad on Friday, calling up Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly, will have to wait to integrate Saka into his plans.

“Saka’s progress is really good, he’s really willing, as you can imagine,” Arteta said after Arsenal’s draw with United last weekend.

“We are positive that in a few weeks, he’ll hopefully be back.”