Saka Sets Sights on Real Madrid Following Extended Injury Absence

Injury interruptions are seldom seen as a positive by players, but Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is optimistic that his enforced rest could prove advantageous for both him and the team as they gear up to take on reigning champions Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Saka has emerged as arguably the most vital player in Mikel Arteta’s lineup. Although his comeback from a serious hamstring issue may have arrived too late to revive Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions, the prospect of European success remains a tangible goal.

“I think it was quite beneficial for me mentally,” the 23-year-old Saka, who missed over three months due to an injury sustained before Christmas, remarked on Monday.

“It was definitely challenging initially when I learned the severity of my injury and the need for surgery; the news was tough to digest at first. However, once the procedure was successful, I was entirely focused on returning stronger and had ample time to prepare.”

Saka missed England’s first two World Cup qualifiers last month but made a triumphant return for Arsenal, scoring in their Premier League victory over Fulham last week.

If Arsenal hope to pull off a surprise against Real Madrid, they’ll require Saka in top form, and he asserts that his relative freshness could provide him an edge against the Spanish giants.

“Over the past five years, I’ve been playing match after match, so this was my first genuine break,” he shared. “It was truly beneficial for me. I had the chance to engage in activities I don’t typically do. It feels great to be back, and I feel mentally refreshed.”

“I’m concentrating on the positives now, and I couldn’t have asked for a better time to return than this part of the season.”

Saka’s significance to Arsenal is reflected in his impressive statistics this season: 10 goals and 14 assists in 26 matches across all competitions, including four goals in the Champions League.

Last year, Arsenal fell at the quarter-final hurdle against Bayern Munich while they were still in a tight race with Manchester City for the Premier League title.

This time, all their efforts are directed towards European glory, and Saka believes that Tuesday’s first leg could become one of the most unforgettable events ever seen at the Emirates Stadium.

“It’s a monumental occasion, and the stakes are incredibly high against one of the leading teams in the tournament,” he stated.

“It’s the first time the club has reached back-to-back Champions League quarter-finals in quite some time, so we’re eager to take the next step and see it through.”