Arsenal's Bukayo Saka Eyes Comeback: Latest Recovery Updates and Return Timeline Revealed
Fitness concerns have dominated Arsenal's recent campaigns, and the club is already dealing with several key absences as the new season gets underway.
Kai Havertz, William Saliba, Ben White, Christian Nørgaard and Bukayo Saka have all encountered physical problems during the early stages of this campaign, with Saka's absence being particularly felt in Arsenal's attacking third.
The North London side failed to find the net without Saka during their recent loss to championship contenders Liverpool at Anfield, and Mikel Arteta will be eager to have his star winger back on the pitch at the earliest opportunity.
Below is the most recent update on Saka's fitness situation.
When Will Bukayo Saka Return From Injury?
Saka picked up his most recent hamstring problem during Arsenal's commanding 5–0 victory against Leeds United in their second Premier League fixture, with Arteta confirming the player faces a minimum of several weeks away from action.
Prior to the Liverpool match, the Spanish manager stated: "Bukayo is progressing well, but unfortunately he'll be unavailable for several weeks.
"No operation is required, and it's not as severe as his previous injury. It's very unlucky that he's picked this up because it's affecting the opposite leg. It happened during a movement that demanded maximum effort from him. He then collided with an opponent and had to accelerate again, which is when he felt the problem. He'll be sidelined for a few weeks."
Saka battled hamstring problems throughout the previous campaign, initially suffering an injury in October 2024 while representing England internationally. He was absent for two weeks but would encounter a much more serious problem in December.
The 23-year-old needed an operation for a hamstring rupture suffered in the match against Crystal Palace shortly before the holiday period, and he only returned to first-team action at the start of April. Fortunately, as Arteta noted, surgical intervention isn't necessary for his current problem.
Potential Bukayo Saka Replacements for Arsenal
Arsenal have frequently found it challenging to replicate Saka's inventiveness and scoring threat when the winger has been unavailable, but the summer acquisition of Noni Madueke from Chelsea should provide better cover on this occasion. The England player operated on the right flank at Anfield in the recent fixture and proved to be Arteta's most dynamic attacking outlet.
Madueke also featured in the Leeds encounter, though he primarily operated on the opposite wing, and appears to have quickly gained Arteta's confidence.
The Arsenal boss does possess alternative choices, however. Ethan Nwaneri frequently deputized for Saka during his rehabilitation period last season, while Leandro Trossard also possesses the adaptability needed to occupy the position temporarily.
15-year-old Max Dowman has impressed during pre-season preparations and the early Premier League matches and may continue to receive opportunities on the right flank.