David Raya reveals key Bukayo Saka influence on Arsenal squad despite injury | OneFootball

Arsenal hope to have Saka back from hamstring injury next month

Long spell out: Bukayo Saka has been on the sidelines since December

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David Raya has revealed Bukayo Saka continues to have a big impact on the Arsenal squad, even while he remains on the sidelines with injury.

Mikel Arteta has said Saka is “evolving really well” in his recovery, but did not put a timeframe on the winger’s return when asked if he would be available to face PSV in the Champions League.

The Gunners travel to the Netherlands for the first leg on March 4, with the return fixture in north London a week later.

Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast, Raya emphasised the “energy” that Saka has continued to bring to his team-mates.

“I see him every morning. He's always happy, always with a smile on his face. He's a top guy, so I just can't wait for him to be back. What he offers, not just on the pitch, just off the pitch, the energy that he brings to the team, to everyone, just that smile on his face all the time is top.

“Bukayo will be back before the end of the season.”

Kai Havertz is also out with a hamstring injury and like Saka had to undergo surgery, but he will not return before the end of the season, leaving Arsenal without a recognised striker for the rest of the campaign.

“Kai, I think I saw him two days ago,” Raya said.

“I think he just came back from the surgery and everything, so I think he will have a little bit of treatment, a few days off, but he's very optimistic.

“He’s very happy. And then obviously he's thinking about next season. He cannot think about this season because he's not going to make it.”