Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka remains weeks away from full fitness

When will Bukayo Saka return to action for Arsenal?

Arsenal were without their star winger for a prolonged period following a quadriceps injury sustained on October 21. Standard.co.uk reported that the initial expectation at the club was an absence of up to eight weeks. Scans proved difficult initially due to fluid building up around the affected muscle, leaving the club without a definitive recovery timeline.

Arteta confirmed that Saka remains weeks away from full fitness. Speaking to reporters, Arteta explained that the player is expected to start hitting the grass for individual training after the international break. We’re talking about, obviously, weeks, Arteta told Fantasy Football Scout. Let’s see. After the international break, he’s going to start hitting the pitch and start to have more activity, see how he feels. But unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a while.

How did the injury happen against Bayern Munich?

Saka suffered the setback during the opening ten minutes of a Champions League match against Bayern Munich. He made a bright start and burst away from defender Alphonso Davies before collapsing to the turf as he played a pass out wide under no pressure, according to Standard.co.uk.

Arteta noted that the innocuous nature of the incident brings some optimism regarding the healing process. The way it happened, it wasn’t a really aggressive action, Arteta said on Standard.co.uk. So that gives you some hope as well that the tissue will repair in a more efficient and faster way as well and he has some very good symptoms right now. While the club has discussed potential contributing factors behind the muscle issue behind closed doors, Arteta admitted that identifying a single exact cause remains difficult.

Which upcoming fixtures will Bukayo Saka miss?

The timing of the injury deals a significant blow to Arsenal during a demanding run of matches. The club faces Hull City on Saturday in their final domestic fixture before the international break. When domestic play resumes in a fortnight, the team enters a heavyweight block of fixtures.

Between late November and Christmas, Arsenal face Borussia Dortmund, both Manchester clubs, Real Madrid, alongside testing away trips to Newcastle, Brentford, and Tottenham Hotspur for the north London derby, as detailed by Standard.co.uk. Arteta acknowledged he does not want to pressure the medical staff by rushing the winger back for those marquee encounters. Bukayo is desperate to get back with the team but still quite early, Arteta noted to Fantasy Football Scout.

What is the latest team news on Ezri Konsa and William Saliba?

Arsenal face additional defensive assessments heading into the weekend. Defender Ezri Konsa felt knee discomfort during a 2-1 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague and was substituted in the second half as a precaution, according to Goal.com. However, Arteta confirmed to Fantasy Football Scout that Konsa has recovered well, is feeling much better, and is fit and available to face Hull City.

Meanwhile, defender William Saliba has returned to the matchday squad after recovering from a long-term back injury that sidelined him since the summer, as reported by Goal.com. Arteta stated that the club remains in close contact with the French national team regarding a potential international call-up, noting that the defender needs minutes on the pitch. Young midfielder Max Dowman remains unavailable while serving the second match of a three-match suspension, according to Fantasy Football Scout.

More on this story: Arsenal Injury News: Saka Out for Weeks, Konsa Fit for Hull City – Latest Return Dates