An important milestone will be reached on Sunday when Arsenal plays Chelsea: it will be 85 days since Bukayo Saka last played. The team has played 18 games in all competitions while he has been away, losing four of them. This is in stark contrast to the 24 games Saka played before becoming hurt, during which the Gunners lost just twice.
The impact of Saka’s absence is noticeable even though the team’s overall success rate only slightly declines; Arsenal’s win percentage drops from 58.3% when he was in the lineup to 55% when he is not, revealing a vulnerability that is made evident by the narrow margins of recent results. The team’s recent 2-0 loss to Bournmouth, which came before Saka’s injury, shows that only one league loss occurred while he was playing.
With Kai Havertz out for the season with a hamstring injury and Martin Odegaard struggling with form, manager Mikel Arteta has been forced to rely on Mikel Merino up front. However, Saka’s distinct inventiveness and game-winning skills are still greatly missed; his influence is currently unrivaled by any of his teammates.
The stakes have changed as Saka is ready to return. Arsenal’s title drive has wavered in the eighty-five days since he left the Crystal Palace game, their FA Cup run was abruptly cut short, and their Carabao Cup aspirations were crushed. It’s difficult to speculate about whether Saka’s presence may have changed these results because, while his importance alone cannot be denied, injuries to other important players like Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Odegaard, and Ben White have made recovery a team effort.
Saka’s return is increasingly anticipated, and it comes at a crucial point in Arsenal’s campaign. The quarterfinals of the Champions League loom huge as Arsenal enters a sprint end of the season. On April 8, Real Madrid will go to North London, and a week later, they will play in Madrid. With the majority of the title race decided, Arteta’s team has a significant advantage over fifth place and is now entirely focused on competing in Europe.
Speaking to reporters, Arteta expressed hope regarding Saka’s recovery and fitness, saying, “I would say he’s getting closer, he’s stepping up, and making very good progress.” Saka will have a crucial two weeks to get ready for his return to club football even though he won’t be included in the England group for the forthcoming World Cup qualifying matches.
Arsenal is well aware that their chances of winning the Champions League depend on Saka’s comeback as they prepare for their matchups with Madrid. The schedule for the future is clear: they may play Fulham on April 1st, then travel to Everton before playing at home in the crucial quarterfinals. Arsenal is ready for a strong finish as they try to take advantage of this crucial moment, which Arteta intends to do as the season draws to a close. They have the chance to reclaim their star forward and the team’s full strength.
