Bukayo Saka set to return as Arsenal face Fulham

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is ready to play against Fulham, says Mikel Arteta, after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during a training session at NAS Sports Complex on February 11, 2025, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is ready to play when The Gunners face Fulham in the Premier League on Tuesday night local time or Wednesday (April 2) early morning WIB. Saka has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury on December 22, 2024, but he has resumed full training with the team in recent days.

“Bukayo Saka is ready to play. His recovery is complete, so now it's just a matter of playing him at the right moment, but he's been working hard because he really wants to play,” Arteta told Sky Sports on Monday.

The 23-year-old winger had initially been expected to return when Arsenal take on Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on April 9. However, Arteta revealed that Saka could feature against Fulham, giving Arsenal a crucial boost ahead of a key stretch in the season.

Saka could start against Fulham

With Arsenal looking to maintain their title charge, Saka’s return is a significant boost. Arteta even hinted that the England international could start against Fulham.

“We respect the (recovery) times that have been set, we have done everything, we had to hold him back before, so now he is ready to play,” Arteta said.

When asked whether Saka could be in the starting lineup, the Spanish coach gave a confident response.

“Yes, yes (ready to start). He's another weapon for us. We know the impact he has on the team and how important his role and contribution is to our success, so it's good to see him back,” Arteta added.

Saka’s presence on the pitch will be crucial for Arsenal, who have had inconsistent performances in recent weeks. His creativity, speed, and goal-scoring ability make him one of the most important players in Arteta’s squad.

Arsenal’s crucial upcoming fixtures

Saka’s return comes at the perfect time for Arsenal, who are entering a decisive period in their season.

After facing Fulham, Arsenal will travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton on Saturday (April 5) evening WIB. This will be followed by their much-anticipated Champions League quarter-final clash against defending champions Real Madrid on April 9.

The Gunners will need all their key players fit and firing if they want to keep pace in the Premier League title race while also challenging in Europe. Saka’s return will give Arteta more attacking options, especially with Arsenal aiming to stay competitive on multiple fronts.

With the Premier League season entering its final stretch and the Champions League knockout rounds intensifying, Arsenal fans will be hopeful that Saka’s return can inspire the team to finish the season strongly.