Mikel Arteta has given a fresh update on Bukayo Saka with the Arsenal star currently recovering from a hamstring injury. It was a problem sustained in the early stages of the 5-1 victory against Crystal Palace, just before Christmas, with Arteta revealing that surgery was required to fix the issue.

Saka has continued to remain around London Colney, despite being unavailable, and he has also been spotted at the Emirates Stadium supporting his teammates. However, that may not be the case over the coming weeks with Arteta insisting Saka is due a holiday.

"Yes, he needs to," replied Arteta when asked by reporters if Saka should take time off. "He is obligated to go, with his girlfriend, or his family, or on his own, he can choose.

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"He needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He can still do a lot of things with his rehabilitation because it is the perfect stage. It will make him better."

"He [Saka] has been with his teammates every single day. But there is a moment, especially when we are going to be away for a few days, that he needs to do that [go on holiday]. "That is very important for him, as well. We need to look after our players."

In his absence, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard have all, arguably, stepped up in front of goal, but the Gunners have secured a victory in just one of the last five games in all competitions. Arsenal have actively been searching for an attacking addition in the January transfer window, but have thus far had no luck.

Although Saka is expected to remain absent for another six weeks, at least, there is some hope he will be able to have an impact during the run-in. However, Arteta has admitted that Arsenal's plan for his return has not changed despite the positive progress being made.

"That's not going to change," he said when asked if he could be back before March. "It's within the process and the time that he had. That's gone now. He's doing better day by day, but we have to respect the process."

Alongside Saka, William Saliba is currently absent with injury, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are edging closer to returns. After being spotted in Arsenal's open training session on Tuesday, Arteta has also revealed both Riccardo Calafiori and Ethan Nwaneri are now back available.