Bukayo Saka has handed Arsenal a major boost with the news that he is set for an imminent return to action after Mikel Arteta confirmed the forward is "ready to go."
Saka has been sidelined since December after undergoing hamstring surgery, but the 23-year-old has recovered and is fit for Tuesday's London derby at home to Fulham.
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"Bukayo is ready to go," said Arteta, as quoted on the club's official website.
"All the careful things he's already done, so now it's about putting him on the grass in the right moments.
"He's pushing because he really wants it. We have to respect the timeframe, but we have done everything and we have had to hold him back even, so he's ready to go.
"It's another massive weapon that we have. We know the impact that he's had on the team and how important his role and his contribution is to our success, so it's great to have him back."
The Arsenal manager also noted Saka's comeback is a welcome return for the squad away from the pitch too.
"It’s more the energy that he transmits, that he's missed the thing that he loves the most in his life, which is to be around the team, to play, to train, and to compete at the highest level.
"The fact that he's able to come into the most important part of the season is a massive boost for him and the team as well."
More team news for Arsenal
Arteta also provided an update on defensive duo Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber.
Calafiori suffered a knee injury during Italy’s UEFA Nations League match with Germany, while Timber missed the Netherlands’ match with Spain through illness.
"He [Calafiori] picked up an injury again with the national team," Arteta said.
"It’s really unfortunate the way it happened. It could have been much worse, so hopefully it's going to be a matter of weeks, but we'll have to see how that injury evolves.
"Jurien was ill for a long period, quite badly. He's felt much better in the last few days, so he's available."
Arteta on Berta's appointment
On Sunday, Arsenal announced they have appointed Andrea Berta as their new sporting director.
The 53-year-old replaces Edu, who left his role with the Gunners last November.
Arteta said at his pre-match press conference: "I think [Berta] is a big addition to the club, a big addition to the team. A team that is already formed with a lot of great people, a lot of people at the club that have been doing such good work.
"We are all very excited to have him. We certainly believe that he is someone who is going to impact the club.
"He's got that experience, he's got this personality as well, this charisma, and he strives to win. That is going to be very contagious.
"It's very much instilled in the football club, especially from the top, because this is what we want to achieve. To have [new] people as well, with different expertise and experiences, who have already done it, is very, very helpful."
