More injury woes for Arsenal

MIKEL ARTETA will not believe his bad luck.

In the same game as key player Bukayo Saka scored on his long-awaited return from injury, the Arsenal manager lost another in centre-back Gabriel before their Champions League football quarter-final against Real Madrid next week. The Brazil defender limped off in the first half of Tuesday night’s 2-1 win against Fulham with a hamstring injury – an issue that has plagued the Gunners squad this season, with forward Kai Havertz’s season ended by a similar problem and Saka sidelined for 101 days.

To add to Arteta’s defensive worries, Netherlands international Jurrien Timber also had to be withdrawn against Fulham with a knee injury, while Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori were ruled out of the game with knee trouble.

While Arteta will sweat on their fitness for Real Madrid’s first-leg visit next Tuesday, Saka helped take his manager’s mind off injuries just seven minutes into his return as his goal sealed three points for an Arsenal side that has missed his quality.

The joy of seeing the 23-year-old back, and on the scoresheet, was clear among their supporters and the England international ran to celebrate with the club’s lead physical performance coach Sam Wilson, who had helped him in his comeback.

“Yes, I think a beautiful moment to see how much our people love, respect and admire Bukayo.” Arteta said of the celebrations following Saka’s 73rd-minute goal.

“He’s not a surprise to any of us and I think the best example is his reaction. Immediately after scoring a goal, what does he do? He goes and says thank you for all the hard work that all the sports science guys, physios and everybody involved in the recovery have done for him to be able to be in the condition that he is.

“I think he lifted the stadium, the energy and great to have him back.”

Arsenal have struggled to break teams down in Saka’s absence and that has been made worse with season-ending injuries to Havertz and Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus that derailed their English Premier League title bid. – BBC Sport/Sports Reporter.