Revealed: Bukayo Saka’s scar pictured for first time as Arsenal issue update
Bukayo Saka stepped up his recovery from a serious hamstring injury with a gym session in Dubai that revealed the extensive scar left on his right leg.
Saka has joined Arsenal’s squad on their warm-weather training camp in Dubai and appeared in pictures put out by the club undergoing an intensive weights session.
The 23-year-old underwent surgery on his right hamstring in December after suffering a muscle tear in Arsenal’s Premier League victory at Crystal Palace.
The England winger has missed the last 12 matches and is not expected to be available for action again until March, at the earliest.
On Monday, Arsenal posted images of Saka working on his fitness in Dubai. Those pictures show a lengthy scar on the back of his right leg that appeared to be towards the right side of his muscle.
The acceleration of Saka’s rehabilitation comes after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta last month told the forward to go away on holiday.
“He needs to [go away],” said Arteta. “He is obligated to go, with his girlfriend, or his family, or on his own. He can choose.
“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.”
Arsenal are eagerly awaiting Saka’s return to fitness because they are so short of attacking options in their first-team squad, especially after Gabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring problem of his own against Newcastle United last week.
Martinelli could miss the next three games with his injury, at least, and the Brazilian’s absence comes at a terrible time for his club, with Saka still absent and Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee problem.
Martinelli’s injury means that Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri will be the only forward players available to Arteta for Saturday’s trip to Leicester City.
Arsenal wanted to strengthen their front line in the January transfer window, when they targeted Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but they were ultimately unable to make a signing.
