“He’s Ready to Go” – Mikel Arteta Confirms Major Bukayo Saka Boost Ahead of Fulham Clash | OneFootball

Arsenal Injury News: Saka, Calafiori and Timber Boost Arteta Ahead of Fulham and Real Madrid Tests

As the Premier League resumes and the Champions League quarter-finals loom, Arsenal fans have reason to be optimistic. Despite a season plagued by setbacks, the Gunners could welcome back key players just in time for a crucial run of fixtures. With Fulham next up and a titanic clash with Real Madrid on the horizon, the return of Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber could not be more timely.

Saka Ready for Arsenal Return in Fulham Clash

After weeks of speculation and cautious optimism, Bukayo Saka is finally set to return. The Arsenal winger hasn’t featured since tearing his hamstring in the December win over Crystal Palace – an injury that required surgery and a lengthy recovery.

Originally ruled out until March, Saka’s rehabilitation has progressed as planned. He’s now back in full training at London Colney, and Mikel Arteta has confirmed the 22-year-old is available for selection against Fulham.

Photo IMAGO

“Bukayo is ready to go,” said Arteta.“All the careful things are already done. Now it’s about putting him in the grass at the right moment. But he’s pushing because he really wants to.We have respected the timeline and we have done everything. He is ready to go.”

This return couldn’t come at a better time. Arsenal’s title challenge may be mathematically alive – 12 points adrift of Liverpool with nine games to go – but the real focus has shifted to Europe. With the Gunners set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, Saka’s sharpness could be pivotal.

Potential return date: Tuesday, April 1 vs Fulham (H)

Calafiori Sidelined but Escapes Major Setback

While Saka returns, Arsenal have new concerns at the back. Riccardo Calafiori, one of the more promising additions this season, suffered a painful knee injury while on international duty with Italy. It happened during a freak incident at the San Siro, where his studs caught in the turf.

Initial fears suggested a long-term layoff, but Arteta offered a more reassuring update.

“Riccardo [Calafiori] unfortunately picked up a knee injury with the national team,” said Arteta.“It could have been much worse. Hopefully it’s only a matter of weeks.”

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Calafiori’s absence is still a blow, especially given Arsenal’s congested schedule. But the early return to London and subsequent scans have at least ruled out ligament damage. He’ll be out for several weeks but is expected to return before the season concludes.

Potential return date: May 2025

Timber Nearing Long-Awaited Comeback

Jurrien Timber’s Arsenal career has been a story of misfortune. Signed with high expectations, the Dutchman has seen his season marred by injury. But after recovering from illness that kept him out of the Netherlands’ Nations League fixtures, Timber is back in training and could feature as soon as this week.

Photo: IMAGO

The defender has endured a long road back following his ACL injury early in the campaign. While he may not be rushed into a starting role, his return to the matchday squad will be a welcome sight for fans and staff alike.

Potential return date: Tuesday, April 1 vs Fulham (H)

Long-Term Absentees Still Missing

While the headlines are dominated by returns, Arsenal are still managing a significant injury list. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are both out for the season following hamstring and knee surgeries, respectively. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also sidelined long-term, having undergone knee surgery in February. The club hope to have him back before the end of the year.

With those players unavailable, Arteta will lean heavily on returning stars like Saka and Timber as Arsenal push to finish the season on a high – both domestically and in Europe.

Final Thoughts

Injuries have tested Arsenal’s depth and resolve this season, but reinforcements are finally arriving. Saka’s return is a huge boost – not just for the Fulham match but for the seismic clash with Real Madrid. Timber’s versatility could provide added stability, while Calafiori’s prognosis is far from the worst-case scenario feared.

As Arteta juggles domestic duties with continental ambitions, his squad is slowly moving back to full strength. And just in time.