Arteta issues Bukayo Saka fitness update ahead of Real Madrid Champions League clash

Mikel Arteta has delivered a promising update on Bukayo Saka’s fitness as Arsenal prepare to host Real Madrid in a Champions League quarter-final.

Saka missed three months after suffering a hamstring injury in December, but returned with a cameo appearance and late winner against Fulham last week. He also played half of Saturday’s draw at Everton.

But Arteta is now hinting that Saka could be in line to start against Madrid, where Arsenal will look to name as strong a line-up as possible as they eye European glory.

Speaking ahead of the match, Arteta said: “[Saka is] in a much better place. We have built his minutes and he’s coped with that really well.”

A start for Saka would be his first in the Champions League since he bagged two goals and an assist in December’s 3-0 home league phase win over Monaco.

For him to return to the starting position would be a huge boost for the Gunners, who have been limited this season by long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.