Mikel Arteta dismisses Bukayo Saka Arsenal fears as star's return approved

Mikel Arteta says opting for surgery was the obvious choice to prevent any long-term issues from Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury. Saka, a key figure for both Arsenal and England, underwent an operation in December to repair a torn hamstring - a procedure becoming more common among fast, dynamic players. The surgery underscores the intense pressure on athletes like Saka, who is an essential selection for Arsenal and whose return is eagerly anticipated at the Emirates.

Arteta acknowledges the concern for his squad's welfare but also believes that surgery was the logical step. Despite concerns that such operations might affect a player's speed, Arteta reassures that the surgery won't hold Saka back, as it came highly recommended by specialists. The manager explained: "Unfortunately that's true, it's becoming more recurrent which tells you that there is something that is changing and we are obviously analysing that data which is still quite small.

"Then you have to analyse the risk and reward element on surgery and we believe that a player who is so explosive who makes so many actions at high speed, a lot of details. We were not sure in that area whether the tendon can support the load, it was an easy decision to say: 'OK, what is the opinion of the specialist?'

"It was 100 per cent that one so on that case even if it's going to take a little longer then we had to go down that route. Sometimes these things happen and they happen to the best players and it doesn't mean it has to happen again.

"He needs to be fully aware that obviously everything is increasing: the level, the speed, the time you have to execute is shorter. You want to do things slower? Forget about it, you wont be efficient. So, you probably have to be faster, sharper, at the maximum speed and you have to train and prepare for that."

Arteta views Saka as Arsenal's lethal "weapon" in their arsenal to outplay rivals for the remainder of the season.

The Spanish manager has given Saka the go-ahead to start against Fulham on Tuesday night, but also sees him making a significant impact against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Arsenal are set to take on the Spanish titans in a two-legged quarter-final starting next week, with Arteta asserting that Saka is "ready to go" following his three-month injury hiatus.

The Gunners boss stated: "It's another massive weapon that we have with him. We know the impact that he's had on the team and how important his role and his contribution is to our success. So great to have him back, obviously.

"Now it's about putting him in the grass in the right moments. But he's pushing because he really wants it. We have respected the time frame, we have done everything and we have to hold him back even. So he's ready to go.

"There is no a single player in that squad that has produced the numbers of Bukayo in the last three seasons. That's it. So that's him."

"We have remained very, very competitive without him and without many other players. That's a big credit. And how strong the team is as a 'we', even though some very important individuals are missing."

Although Riccardo Calafiori is out with an injury for the clash with Fulham, Jurrien Timber is fit and ready to play. Arteta says that Arsenal will not give up on catching Liverpool, despite the significant gap between the two clubs at the top of the table.

When questioned about the title chase, Arteta replied: "I appreciate the question. Hopefully we are not going to get there. If we get there one day, we can discuss about that. Now the focus is about just winning against Fulham. The targeted position is one. After that."