Arsenal expect Bukayo Saka return for Champions League semi-final
Arsenal are increasingly hopeful that winger Bukayo Saka will recover from an Achilles injury in time for their Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.
The England international has been absent from the Gunners’ past five fixtures across all competitions following a setback sustained after the Carabao Cup final.
However, there is growing optimism that the lightning-fast forward could feature in the upcoming journey to the Spanish capital.
The Hale End academy graduate might even be included in the matchday squad when Newcastle United visit Emirates Stadium four days prior to the European tie.
Attacking trio set for reunion
Manager Mikel Arteta could soon have the luxury of deploying his preferred attacking combinations once again.
Following the recent comebacks of Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, the forwards are on the verge of sharing the pitch for the first time since the opening game of the campaign.
The three players have not started a match together since a resounding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace in December 2024.
The talismanic number seven unfortunately suffered a hamstring problem during that fixture, severely limiting their time on the field as a collective unit.
Merino making steady progress
In addition to the encouraging updates surrounding their star winger, there have been positive developments regarding Mikel Merino.
The Spanish midfielder is expected to resume running within the next two to three weeks following an operation to insert a screw into his heel.
He is already moving freely around the club’s London Colney training base without the assistance of crutches.
Medical staff are increasingly confident that the summer signing will return to action before the domestic season concludes.
His primary objective remains proving his fitness ahead of the World Cup, a target that both the player and the national team hierarchy believe is highly achievable.
“He will be ready in time, barring any further setbacks.”
That is the confident verdict of the Spanish Football Federation’s head of medical services, who continues to closely monitor the player’s rehabilitation.
