Gunners Hope for Key Duo’s Comeback Before Season’s End
- Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sidelined with hamstring injuries
- March international break targeted for their return
- Arsenal struggling in attack with key players out
Arsenal are optimistic about welcoming back Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli before the crucial final stretch of the season. The absence of both wingers has left Mikel Arteta’s squad weakened in attack, but reports suggest their return could come soon after the March international break.
Saka & Martinelli: When Will They Return?
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Bukayo Saka’s Recovery Timeline
Saka has not played a single game in 2025 after suffering a hamstring injury in December that required surgery. The 22-year-old has been one of Arsenal’s most influential players, and his absence has significantly affected the team’s offensive output.
Gabriel Martinelli’s Injury Setback
Martinelli, meanwhile, picked up his own hamstring injury in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United. This left Arsenal without both of their starting wingers at a crucial point in the season.
Target Return Date: Fulham Fixture After International Break
According to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal are eyeing the March international break as the perfect window for reintegrating the duo. The Gunners face Chelsea on 16 March before heading into the break. If all goes well, both players could be available against Fulham on 1 April.
By then, Arsenal will have nine Premier League games remaining and could still be in the Champions League quarter-finals, making their return even more significant.
Arsenal’s Struggles Without Their Star Wingers
Attacking Woes in Key Fixtures
With Saka and Martinelli out, Arsenal have had to patch up their frontline, leading to lackluster attacking performances. The absence of Kai Havertz, who is ruled out for the season, has further dented Arsenal’s attacking depth.
Raheem Sterling’s Underwhelming Loan Spell
Against Leicester City, Arteta handed a rare start to loanee Raheem Sterling, but the former Man City star failed to impress. Leandro Trossard played as a false nine, while Sterling struggled to make an impact.
Mikel Merino: The Unlikely Hero
In a desperate move, Arteta pushed midfielder Mikel Merino into a striker role late in the Leicester match—a gamble that paid off spectacularly. Merino scored twice in the closing stages to seal a 2-0 victory, keeping Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes alive.
Can Arsenal Stay in the Title Race?
With Liverpool leading the pack, Arsenal need all their key players fit for the final stretch of the season. Can Saka and Martinelli’s return spark a late-season surge for the Gunners?
What do you think? Will Arsenal challenge for the title once Saka and Martinelli are back? Drop your thoughts in the comments!