Arsenal exclusive: How Bukayo Saka plans to get fit and firing for Real Madrid | OneFootball

Gunners star to step up his comeback from his hamstring injury as he targets Champions League showdown

Bukayo Saka is closing in on a return after three months out with a hamstring injury

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Bukayo Saka will be ramping up his workload over the international break as he bids to be back fit and firing for Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid next month.

He will be involved in longer and more intense one-on-one fitness sessions over the next few weeks, while he will also begin working with the ball and training with his team-mates.

“He’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making a very good progress I would say,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta last Friday. “So, let’s see when we start to throw him in with the team, how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly.”

Saka has reached the crucial final stage of his injury recovery from the hamstring injury

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Saka is desperate to get back given Arsenal will host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 8.

The week before that game, the Gunners take on Fulham and Everton - which will hopefully present Saka with the chance to get minutes in his legs before the visit of Real Madrid.

A definitive date for Saka’s return has not yet been set yet, though, and much will depend on how he progresses during the final part of his recovery.

The 23-year-old tore his hamstring during the 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on December 21.

Scans showed the extent of the damage and, with both Arsenal and Saka keen to move fast, he underwent surgery on Christmas Eve.

The feeling was that there was no point in delaying surgery - even if it was the festive season.

Saka was especially keen to get going. The earlier he had surgery, the quicker the road to recovery could begin.

It was unknown how Saka would react to being out. Whenever he has been fit, he has played and those around him wondered how months watching from the sidelines would impact him.

Saka tore his hamstring during the 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on December 21

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But Saka has had a positive mindset throughout and been exceptionally diligent with his rehabilitation.

He was on crutches for the first month or so, but once he was off them Arteta him to go on holiday.

Saka attended games at Emirates Stadium - even on crutches - as he wanted to be near the team. He has been visiting the dressing room before and after matches.

But two away games for Arsenal at the end of January - Wolves and Girona - presented the perfect time for Saka to get a break.

He went away with his family and appreciated the rare luxury of being able to do so in the middle of the season.

Saka returned hungry to get back and has stayed on top of team analysis by attending squad meetings.

He has tried to use the time out to his advantage and there have been some benefits to watching from the stands. A different viewpoint has given him a different perspective on things, especially from a tactical point of view.

Saka wants to be back when Arsenal play Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 8

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

What has not changed, however, is Saka’s hunger.

It was noticed by those around him that there was renewed drive to him after returning from Euro 2024 last summer.

There was a feeling that the confidence in his game had grown and that he was ready to take that next step in becoming one of the best wingers in the game.

A blistering start to the season backed that up and it can be easy to forget just how well Saka was playing back then.

He has not kicked a ball since December and yet, in the Premier League, only Mohamed Salah has more assists this season.

That is why Arsenal will be delighted when they can welcome their ‘Star Boy’ back - and what better stage for Saka to return than Real Madrid.