Mikel Arteta announces that Bukayo Saka, a significant asset, is prepared to make his comeback for Arsenal before the match against Fulham.

Mikel Arteta has delivered some hugely positive news for Arsenal fans, confirming that Bukayo Saka is “ready to go” after an extended three-month absence due to a hamstring injury. The young winger is set to make his return in the Premier League clash against Fulham on Tuesday.

In his pre-match press conference, Arteta expressed his optimism: “Bukayo Saka is ready to go. All the careful things are already done. Now it’s about putting him on the grass at the right moment. But he’s pushing because he really wants to.”

The Arsenal manager emphasized the importance of Saka’s return, stating, “We have respected the timeline and we have done everything. He is ready to go. Bukayo is a massive weapon that we have. We know the impact he has in the team and how important his role and contribution is to our success. It’s great to have him back again.”

Arteta elaborated on Saka’s influence beyond his on-field abilities, noting that the winger’s absence has been felt deeply. “It is the energy that he transmits. He has missed the thing that he loves the most in his life – which is to be around the team, to play, train and compete at the highest level,” he said.

The timing of Saka’s return is crucial, as Arteta pointed out: “The fact that he is able to come in the most important part of the season is a massive boost for him and the team as well. It’s important to get it out of your head that you haven’t played for three months, but he has played for the last 48 months. And three in 48 is a small percentage. So the habit is there.”

However, it wasn’t all good news for the Gunners, as Arteta revealed a setback concerning defender Riccardo Calafiori, who sustained a knee injury while on international duty with Italy. “Calafiori unfortunately picked up a knee injury again with the national team,” he said. “It was really unfortunate how that injury happened, but it could have been much worse. So hopefully it’s going to be a matter of weeks. But we have to see how the injury evolves.”

On a brighter note, Arteta mentioned that Jurrien Timber, who has been ill for an extended period, is now feeling much better and is available for selection.

In addition to team news, Arteta praised the recent appointment of Andrea Berta as the club’s new sporting director. “It’s a big addition to the club – a team that already has a lot of great people who have been doing such a great job,” he remarked. “It’s now about building that chemistry, so we are all very excited to have him. He is a very honest and straightforward person. He has a very clear vision of what he wants to do.”

Arteta concluded by highlighting Berta’s commitment to Arsenal: “He was so willing to join us, which is positive. He had many other possibilities, but has chosen to come to us. Now it’s about us giving him the support. He has done well for many, many years at the highest level.”