00:00Aside from Ricardo Calafiore's knee injury on international duty, Mikhail Arteta will
00:07have breathed a sigh of relief that Arsenal emerged from the break unscathed. In fact,
00:13they have come out even stronger. The biggest boost comes from Bakayo Saka, who Arteta insists
00:20is ready to go after more than three months out with a hamstring injury that required surgery.
00:28The 23-year-old was back at the Emirates and back in the goals against Fulham on Tuesday night.
00:35Saka's return is a lift for the entire club, not just because of his quality,
00:40but also the energy he transmits, as Arteta puts it. Arsenal need him at his best as they
00:46prepare for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.
00:57He's not a surprise to any of us and I think the best example is his reaction.
01:03Immediately after scoring a goal, what does he do? He goes and says,
01:07thank you for all the hard work that all the sports science guys, physios and everybody
01:12involved in the recovery has done for him to be able to be in the condition that he is. So,
01:17I think he lifted the stadium, the energy and great to have him back.
01:22It's no doubt Arsenal's attackers lack balance without Saka and his reinstatement has now
01:28provided the firepower needed for the season's decisive phase. His presence also allows 18-year-old
01:35Ethan Wanyeri's development to be managed. The England international returned for the first time
01:41at the Emirates since December and any concerns about rustiness did not sit well with Arteta,
01:48as Saka featured in a behind-the-closed-doors friendly and completed six consecutive full
01:54training sessions before the Fulham game. Without their star man, Arsenal's Champions League
02:01ambitions looked far-fetched. With him and once he's back up to speed, they have every reason
02:08to believe they can eliminate the holders and push for the ultimate prize.
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