Arsenal's Saka: Fresh and Ready to Take on Real Madrid in Champions League

Arsenal's star winger Bukayo Saka is set to face Real Madrid after a long injury layoff, and he's feeling fresh and ready to make an impact.

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is set to return to action after a long injury layoff, and he believes that his time on the sidelines could ultimately benefit him and his team as they face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals. Saka has become an integral part of Mikel Arteta's squad, and his absence has been deeply felt. However, with European glory still within reach, Saka's return could be a crucial boost for Arsenal's title hopes.

Saka's emergence as one of the most important players in the Arsenal squad has been a key factor in the team's success. Despite his injury layoff likely coming too late to impact Arsenal's Premier League title chances, his return could be a turning point in the Champions League. With Real Madrid standing in their way, Saka's speed, skill, and creativity will be essential for Arsenal to overcome the Spanish giants and progress to the next round.

“I think mentally it was really good for me,” the 23-year-old Saka, who missed more than three months after sustaining an injury before Christmas, said on Monday.

“Obviously it was really tough for me initially to find out the extent of my injury, that I was going to have surgery, it was really tough for me to hear the news at first but once it was done and successful I was just focused on coming back stronger and I had a lot of time.”

Bukayo Saka's injury layoff has given him a rare break from the action-packed schedule, and he believes this relative freshness will give him an edge against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals. Saka missed England's opening two World Cup qualifiers but scored on his return for Arsenal in the Premier League win against Fulham last week. His return to the pitch has been well-timed, and he's optimistic about his chances against the Spanish giants.

Saka reflected on his time off, saying, “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.” This break has allowed him to recharge and refocus, and he's now ready to take on one of Europe's top teams. With his skills and newfound energy, Saka could be a key factor in Arsenal's chances of upsetting Real Madrid.

💬 "The players are ready, we’re up for it. I honestly have no doubt that the fans tomorrow will be up for it as well and will create the most beautiful atmosphere the stadium has ever witnessed."

Bukayo previews our Champions League quarter-final 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 7, 2025

”I'm just focused now on the positives, and I couldn't ask to come back at a better time of the season than now.”

Bukayo Saka has been instrumental in Arsenal's success this season, boasting impressive statistics with 10 goals and 14 assists in 26 matches across all competitions. His Champions League performances have also been notable, with four goals to his name. Saka's influence on the team is undeniable, and his return from injury has coincided with a crucial stage in the season.

Arsenal's European campaign takes center stage on Tuesday, as they host Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals. Last year's quarterfinal exit at the hands of Bayern Munich was a disappointment, especially given their strong Premier League form at the time. This season, the team's focus has shifted to the Champions League, and Saka believes the upcoming match could be one of the most memorable occasions in the Emirates Stadium's history. The stakes are high, and a strong performance from Saka and his teammates will be crucial in determining their fate.