Bukayo Saka tipped to return ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid

Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Bukayo Saka will return from injury in time for Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid in April.

The England international has been out for three months after suffering a hamstring tear against Crystal Palace on December 21.

However, Arteta has confirmed that Saka will resume full training next week, increasing his intensity with ball work and competitive drills.

Arsenal have struggled in his absence, dealing with further injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Despite falling 15 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race, the Gunners secured a 9-3 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Arteta provided an update on Saka’s progress:

“He is going to be here [at the training ground] next week, hopefully more with the ball at his feet than he has had.

“That will mean he is passing, shooting, running, and everything. He has done a lot on the pitch working on his own, but next, we need to put him in a competitive training session and see how he reacts.”

Before their Champions League showdown, Arsenal face a tough run of Premier League fixtures, starting with Chelsea on Sunday, followed by Everton and Fulham after the international break.

If Saka progresses well, he could be back in the squad for the first leg against Real Madrid at the Emirates in three weeks.