Saka: Mental Refreshment Key Benefit of Injury Break
Saka: Mental Refreshment Key Benefit of Injury Break
- He had previously scored in Arsenal's win against Fulham upon his return last week.
- Mikel Arteta anticipates Saka will be in better condition to start against Real Madrid
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka believes his recent spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury provided a significant mental benefit.
The 23-year-old winger, who returned to action as a half-time substitute against Everton after a 101-day absence, stated that the enforced break was “really good” for him mentally. He had previously scored in Arsenal’s win against Fulham upon his return last week.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta anticipates Saka will be in better condition to start against Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.
Reflecting on his time off, Saka said, “I think mentally it was really good for me… The past five years I’ve been playing game after game so it was the first proper break I’ve had. It was really good for me. I got to do a lot of things that I don’t normally do. It’s really nice to be back and I feel fresh mentally.”
Regarding his contract, which enters its final two years this summer, the England international downplayed any concerns about his future, emphasizing his commitment to winning with Arsenal. “I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge so I think it’s pretty clear,” he said, highlighting his strong relationship with the fans and his happiness at the club. His current focus remains on achieving victories for Arsenal.
