Dubai, UAE – February 6, 2025 – Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has traveled with the first team to Dubai for their mid-season training camp, but fans hoping for an imminent return will have to wait a little longer. The 22-year-old is not expected to return to action until March, following his recovery from hamstring surgery late last year.
Saka’s Recovery Continues in Dubai
Despite joining the squad for warm-weather training, Saka was notably absent from Friday’s session photos. According to Jordan Campbell of The Athletic, Arsenal’s medical team remains cautious with his recovery, targeting a return date next month.
Simon Collings of The Standard further confirmed that Saka is in Dubai to continue his rehabilitation process, rather than to immediately resume full training. His initial injury, sustained during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace on December 21, 2024, was deemed serious enough to require surgery.
Limited Fixtures in February Work in Arsenal’s Favor
Given the timeline for his return, Arsenal’s fixture list could play to their advantage. The Gunners have just three matches remaining in February:
- Leicester City (Feb 15)
- West Ham United (Feb 22)
- Nottingham Forest (Feb 26)
Arsenal currently have five matches scheduled for March, including high-profile clashes against Manchester United (March 9) and Chelsea (March 16), as well as their Champions League Round of 16 fixtures on March 4/5 and March 11/12.
Potential England Call-Up?
If Saka is not fit in time for the Chelsea match on March 16, he may miss out on Arsenal’s next fixture until April 1 against Fulham, due to the international break. However, should he regain fitness, England manager Gareth Southgate could include him in the squad for the March internationals.
For now, Arsenal fans will have to wait a few more weeks before seeing their star winger back in action.
