Arsenal are “optimistic” that Bukayo Saka will be healthy and ready for their Champions League quarter-final first leg versus Real Madrid, according to David Ornstein.
Saka has missed the entirety of this year to date following a significant hamstring injury sustained against Crystal Palace on December 21.
He has been absent from the last 19 Arsenal matches and is expected to come back in April.
It is uncertain how soon in April the 22-year-old will be back, as Real Madrid is set to visit the Emirates on the eighth for a significant Champions League match.
The Gunners return to the Bernabeu for the second leg eight days later, and if Saka isn't available for the first leg, he is expected to play in the Spanish capital.
The Athletic correspondent Ornstein suggests there is “hope” for Arsenal and Saka.
Ornstein stresses that Saka will not be hurried or endangered by the club’s medical team.
"As first reported by John Cross, this seems to be Arsenal and Saka's aspiration," he stated in a Q&A.
“It would also align with the projected recovery timelines following his surgery.” However, they will not hurry him or take chances, and justifiably so.
At the same time, Charles Watts argues that Arsenal right-back Benjamin White deserves a spot in the upcoming England squad after Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel indicated he is ready but wasn't selected this month because of limited playtime following his injury.
White rejoined the Arsenal squad in February after a three-month absence, but his sole start since has been at home against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League's last 16, with the tie effectively decided after a 7-1 victory in the first leg.
Watts is optimistic that the 27-year-old will receive significant playing time in the upcoming weeks and envisions him starting as right-back while Jurrien Timber shifts to left-back for the games against Madrid.
“Ben White is set to feature frequently for Arsenal,” Watts informed Sports Mole. "Timber is performing exceptionally well right now." However, the full-back role is an exceptionally demanding one.
A major factor in Ben White's injury was due to Jurrien Timber's injury. Essentially, White exhausted himself for more than a season. And now he has returned.
“Mikel is in the ideal situation with two high-quality right-backs that he can alternate without the need to play every week.” "Thus, he will receive ample playing time."
Watts went on: “I wouldn’t be shocked if Timber is occasionally utilized at left-back.
“Real Madrid, provided Ben White is deemed fully fit, I believe Timber must be factored into the strategy for Arsenal's left side when considering the danger Real Madrid poses and how they exploit that right wing.” Considering Timber’s strengths as a left back, I believe he could be quite valuable in that position.
“Regardless of what it may be, Ben White will see plenty of playing time, and you can utilize Timber as a centre back, allowing you to give Saliba some much-needed rest occasionally.” You can position White at center back and give Saliba a break. This is what you desire; if you're Mikel Arteta, you want your top players healthy. Ben White remains one of Arsenal's top performers.
“He's a vital part of this team and will remain a crucial part of his team.” I definitely anticipate that he will be included in the upcoming England squad once he demonstrates his fitness.
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