Bukayo Saka's celebration speaks volumes after scoring seven minutes into injury return
Daily mirror April 02, 2025 09:39 AM

Arsenal star made a beeline for fitness coach Sam Wilson after scoring just seven minutes into his return from injury against - after he played a huge part in the winger's recovery. Saka wasted little time getting off the mark on as he fired in the Gunners' second goal of the game in a 2-1 win.

Arteta introduced Saka in the 66th minute, coming on for Ethan Nwaneri, and he enjoyed the perfect game back as he headed home from Gabriel Martinelli's flick-on. Saka wheeled away and ran around the goal as he made a point of running straight to Wilson to embrace him, thanking him for helping him get back onto the pitch again.

Wilson has been with since 2014, initially starting as an Under-18s coach before moving his way up to the Under-21s and eventually becoming the first team fitness coach.

Saka hadn't played a game since late December after tearing his hamstring and being forced to have surgery on the issue that ruled him out for four months.

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His absence was part of a crippling injury crisis that ruled out a host of Arsenal's key forwards, including Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Martinelli - with Saka's return providing a huge boost to the team.

Arsenal still have eight games left in the as they look to keep their slim Premier League hopes alive and his return comes at the perfect time ahead of the team's quarter-final tie against .

Saka has 10 goals and 13 assists so far this season and losing him was a bitter blow for Arteta and the Spaniard could not hide his joy to get him back in the team this week - calling him "a massive weapon" as he announced his return.

" is ready to go," he said. "All the careful things are already done. Now it's about putting him on the grass at the right moment, but he's pushing because he really wants to.

"We have respected the timeline and we have done everything. Bukayo is a massive weapon that we have.

"We know the impact he has in the team and how important his role and contribution is to our success."

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