Saka has not featured since December, undergoing surgery after tearing his hamstring.
His absence has been a key factor behind Arsenal’s fading title challenge with Kai Havertz also sidelined for the rest of the season.
The England international has been working diligently on his return and it is hoped he will be able to make his comeback following the international break when Arsenal take on Fulham at the Emirates on 1 April.
Get personalised updates on Arsenal everyday
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
The return leg follows a week later in Madrid with a home game against Brentford separating the two fixtures.
With most of the Arsenal squad set to head off on international duty after the weekend, Saka will step up the final stages of his rehabilitation before returning to full first-team training.
Crystal Palace FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Arsenal have missed their talisman (Picture: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
‘He is going to be here [at the Arsenal training ground], hopefully more with ball at his feet than he has had,’ said Arteta.
‘That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own.
‘Next we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that.
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Saka will be back in action in April
‘He’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making a 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.’
Arsenal have also been boosted by the return of Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian international also suffered a hamstring injury in early February, missing four games.
The Brazil international was back among the subs last Sunday for the 1-1 draw at Manchester United and came off the bench to get 11 minutes under his belt against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.
0 Comments