Hugely encouraging Bukayo Saka injury update given by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka is "getting closer" to a return from injury in a major boost for Arsenal.

The Gunners have sorely missed their talisman, who was sidelined before Christmas with a serious hamstring tear after hurting himself against Crystal Palace.

Saka has been forced to watch Arsenal's title bid falter from the sidelines after undergoing surgery. He has since been joined by in the treatment room by Gabriel Jesus - who is out for the season - leaving Arteta with a dearth of options up front.

But the Arsenal boss has now hinted that Saka is edging closer to a return as we enter the final knockings of the 2024-25 campaign.

When he was asked about the England winger in his press conference on Friday, Arteta replied: "He’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making very good progress I would say. So let’s see when we start to throw him in with the team, how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly."

While Saka will not be ready to feature when the Gunners host Chelsea on Sunday, Arteta has been boosted by the returns of Gabriel Martinelli and Ben White in recent weeks.

White has made a successful return from a knee injury and, it emerged on Friday, is once again available for England selection after talks with new Three Lions chief, Thomas Tuchel, who has also handed Myles Lewis-Skelly his first senior call-up.

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Saka suffered a serious hamstring injury back in December 

Arteta confirmed that the versatile defender has not suffered any recurrence of the issue that has sidelined him for months ahead of the Chelsea match, where Arsenal could put some measure of pressure on Liverpool given they are facing Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.

"He has been involved for the last two weeks almost and his knee is not reacting so that is very positive," the Spaniard added.

"Ben is a really important players for us, he brings something very different to the team dynamic and I am thrilled to have him."

The Gunners remain 15 points behind Liverpool in the title race, though they have played one game less than Arne Slot's imperious side.