Bukayo Saka's return date confirmed: Fans eagerly await his comeback | OneFootball

Several of Arsenal's early-season targets now appear out of reach, and many fans attribute this to the absence of their star winger, Bukayo Saka. The 22-year-old has been sidelined since December due to a hamstring tear, but there is finally positive news about his return.

Arsenal currently sits 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool, and their domestic cup hopes have already been dashed. However, they remain in the UEFA Champions League and are set to host Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium in the quarter-final first leg on Tuesday, April 8. According to John Cross, Saka is expected to make his long-awaited return on that day.

The England international, who will miss his nation's upcoming international fixtures this week, has recently resumed light training. Discussing Saka's progress, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said last Friday:

"He is going to be here [at the Arsenal training ground], hopefully more with ball at his feet than he has had. That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own."

Arteta added, "Next, we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that. He's getting closer, he's stepping up and making very good progress, I would say. So let's see when we start to throw him in with the team how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly."

Saka's return will be a significant boost for Arsenal fans worldwide. His absence has been felt, especially with other key players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined until the end of the season. As Arsenal enters a crucial phase, Saka's comeback could provide the creativity and spark they've been missing.

Before his injury, Bukayo Saka had scored nine goals and provided 13 assists in 24 matches for the Gunners. If he can quickly regain his form, it could strengthen Arsenal's chances of beating Real Madrid and progressing to the semi-finals.