Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a positive update on Bukayo Saka’s return from injury – before playfully darting out of shot during a TV interview after his side’s win over Chelsea on Sunday.
Talisman Saka has been out since suffering a serious hamstring problem against Crystal Palace on December 21, but Arteta said before the home game against the Blues that the England international could return after the international break.
“He’s got every chance,” a smiling Arteta confirmed, briefly running away from the Sky Sports microphone before swiftly returning to field more questions.
“He’s got a good chance” 👀
Mikel Arteta pretends to run out of his post-match interview after being asked about Bukayo Saka’s fitness 🤣 pic.twitter.com/8MkJ8KorIZ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025
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When will Bukayo Saka return?
Arteta appeared to suggest that Saka could be in contention when Arsenal host Fulham in the Premier League on April 1 (7.45pm GMT).
The Gunners are subsequently in action at Everton four days later (12.30pm), by which time the second-placed side will hope to have closed their current 12-point gap on leaders Liverpool with nine league games remaining.
Saka will miss new England manager Thomas Tuchel’s first games in charge, when the Three Lions host Albania on Friday and Latvia three days later (both 7.45pm).
Arteta was impressed after Mikel Merino’s first-half goal was enough for victory over Chelsea. “The team played with an unbelievable attitude and I really enjoyed that,” he said. “The only thing we can do is win our matches and that is what we are trying to do.”
Full-time as Arsenal take a crucial win over Chelsea 👊 pic.twitter.com/9GSM3Knfih
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025
Bukayo Saka injury, stats
The 23-year-old had missed two matches in October with a hamstring problem but started all of Arsenal’s other previous games in the top flight and Europe.
With nine goals and 12 assists in 21 Premier League and Champions League appearances this season, Saka could prove pivotal in Arsenal’s attempt to put pressure on Liverpool and win their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
The first leg of their last-eight contest against the reigning European champions takes place on April 8, with the second on April 16 (both 8pm).
When he announced Saka’s injury, Arteta said he was “very optimistic” of his return before the end of the campaign. “It’s a great learning process for him as well,” the Spaniard said at the time.
“It is what it is. He’s injured – we cannot change it. We’re going to use this time to help him.”
