Bukayo Saka ups the ante during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai as he closes in on timely return – but eagle-eyed fans spot worrying post-surgery scar


Bukayo Saka is making progress towards his Arsenal return and was pictured looking focused in a gym workout session in their training camp in Dubai.

The forward is slated for a return in March after injuring his hamstring in December. 

He cut a determined figure as he accompanied team-mates out for the flight to the United Arab Emirates last week.

Mikel Arteta’s side are hoping the camp can provide the sort of rejuvenation it did last season, when they embarked on a run of win 16 of their next 18 games afterwards. 

However, eagle-eyed fans have noticed the scar remaining on his leg after he had surgery on his hamstring.

In workout photos posted on Arsenal’s Instagram page, the scar can be seen on the rear half of his right leg, just above the knee. 

Arsenal fans have spotted the scar on Bukayo Saka's right leg after his hamstring surgery

Arsenal fans have spotted the scar on Bukayo Saka’s right leg after his hamstring surgery

The forward is doing his rehabilitation ahead of a return to first-team training, with a slated comeback to the pitch set for March

The forward is doing his rehabilitation ahead of a return to first-team training, with a slated comeback to the pitch set for March

Saka smiled as he went through the motions at Arsenal's warm weather training camp in Dubai

Saka smiled as he went through the motions at Arsenal’s warm weather training camp in Dubai

The 23-year-old was exercising with resistance bands and getting some catching practice in with a ball. 

Saka had to be substituted after suffering the injury during the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 win away to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on December 21 due to the blow.

However, the Hale End academy graduate has remained upbeat throughout his recovery. 

In late December, he posted a picture of himself on Instagram following surgery and vowed to come back stronger.

He wrote: ‘The majority see obstacles, but few see the opportunities. Recovery has begun and I’m coming back stronger!

‘Thank you all for your messages.’

He has also been seen at multiple games at the Emirates Stadium cheering on his team-mates.  

Inevitably, losing Saka has been a blow for the Gunners. He has contributed with nine goals and 13 assists this season across all competitions. 

Saka shared a heartening update from his hospital bed post-hamstring surgery in December

Saka shared a heartening update from his hospital bed post-hamstring surgery in December

Saka suffered the injury during Arsenal's away victory at Crystal Palace on December 21

Saka suffered the injury during Arsenal’s away victory at Crystal Palace on December 21

Saka’s importance to Arsenal is such that he has already made 250 appearances at the age of 23, while he has contributed with 67 goals and 63 assists. 

It is also the first time he has faced a long-term absence in years, usually being Mr Reliable and injury-free.

His absence has meant that Ethan Nwaneri, 17, has been presented with more opportunities, and the teenager has impressed. 

Nwaneri now has seven goals in 23 appearances this season and has scored on the big occasions, including in the 5-1 hammering of Manchester City. 

Arsenal did still face calls to bring in an attacker over the winter transfer window but they did not get any business done. 



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back To Top