SAKA 'READY TO GO' AFTER PROLONGED INJURY LAY-OFF

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Monday that Bukayo Saka is fit to return after a three-month absence due to a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old England forward, who has netted nine goals across all competitions this season, last played in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on December 21.

“Bukayo is ready to go,” Arteta said on the eve of his team’s match against Fulham on Tuesday.

“All the careful things are already done so now it’s about putting him on the grass in the right moments. But he’s pushing because he really wants to.

“We have respected the timeframe and we have done everything and we had to hold him back, even. He is ready to go.”

Asked whether Saka could start against Fulham at the Emirates, the Arsenal boss replied: “Yeah, yeah.”

The Spaniard added: “Bukayo is a massive weapon. We know the impact that he has had in the team and how important his role and his contribution is to our success. It’s great to have him back.”

Arsenal sit second in the Premier League, trailing Liverpool by 12 points with nine matches remaining, making a title challenge unlikely.

However, they have reached the Champions League quarter-finals and will face Real Madrid at home in the first leg on April 8.

Saka’s return is a major boost for Arteta, who has struggled with attacking options due to long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.