Mikel Arteta reveals return plan for Bukayo Saka ahead of Real Madrid showdown

Bukayo Saka is stepping up his recovery from a hamstring injury with the Arsenal star aiming to be in peak condition for the Champions League showdown with Real Madrid next month.

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.

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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.