Bukayo Saka is approaching his hamstring surgery rehab with the dedication of a true professional.

While focusing on his recovery at home, the Arsenal star continues to be a regular presence at the club’s London Colney training facility. Despite undergoing surgery just before Christmas, Saka has shown his support for his teammates by attending home games and staying actively involved.

Bukayo Saka underwent hamstring surgery after a trip to Crystal Palace last monthCredit: Getty

Saka has been making the effort to support the team during his rehab phaseCredit: Getty

Hobbling on crutches, Bukayo Saka was seen at the Emirates supporting his teammates during the warm-up for the midweek North London Derby, and he’s expected to do the same before today’s [SAT] match against Aston Villa.

Though impressed by Saka’s dedication, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has encouraged him to take a holiday, saying: “You need it!” With upcoming fixtures against Villa, Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, and away trips to Wolves and Girona between January 25 and 29, Arteta sees this period as the ideal time for Saka to unwind and rejuvenate.

When asked if Saka should get some rest abroad, Arteta replied: “Yes, he must go! With his girlfriend, family, or even alone—he should choose. It’s essential for him to disconnect and refresh. Rehab can still progress during this time, and it’ll help him recover better.”

Arteta highlighted that Saka has remained with the squad daily but emphasized the importance of stepping back during Arsenal’s upcoming away days. “We must take care of our players,” he added.

Last season, ever-present Saka started all but three of Arsenal’s league games and every match for England during their Euros run to the final in Germany. This season, he’s already featured in 16 Premier League games and five of Arsenal’s six Champions League group matches.

When asked what Saka could send as a thank-you gift for the time off, Arteta joked: “A nice picture—or a present!” However, what Arteta truly wants is for Saka to return fully fit.

Saka is aiming for an early March comeback, targeting Arsenal’s Premier League fixtures against Manchester United on March 8 and Chelsea on March 15. Until his injury on December 21 during Arsenal’s 5-1 victory at Crystal Palace, Saka was instrumental in their attack, contributing five goals and 10 assists in the league.

Since his absence, Arsenal has struggled to fill his role on the right wing. Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Raheem Sterling have all tried without much success. Jesus could now miss the remainder of 2025 with an ACL injury, Nwaneri is sidelined by a hamstring issue, Sterling is struggling with confidence and form, and both Martinelli and Trossard are naturally left-sided players.

And since Saka’s injury, Arsenal have dropped two points to Brighton in the Prem, been knocked out of the FA Cup and face an uphill task to reach the Carabao Cup final after a -0 defeat to Newcastle in their semi-final first leg.

It is why Arteta is hoping to land a new forward during this January window, but there will still be huge pressure on the shoulders of Saka to make an instant impact on his long-awaited return.

Whether Arsenal will still be in the title race by then is another matter, despite recently closing the gap on Liverpool to four points, with Arne Slot’s Red still having a game in hand.

On Saka’s time away from the team, Arteta continued: “The main part is the psychological part of how they feel emotionally. Because being a long time without doing what you love is not easy.

“Your routine changes completely. You are much more isolated because you’re not going to work. That takes a little while to handle and to settle.

“So, it’s a moment that if he can have a break as well and enjoy the parts of his life, great.

“To be closer to the family, great. To learn about the game, certain aspects that he can still improve and develop.”