Bukayo Saka returns to Arsenal training centre following hamstring surgery as Mikel Arteta sets target for winger ahead of comeback

Mikel Arteta has told Bukayo Saka he can use his injury lay-off to return a "better person", with the winger returning to Arsenal's training ground.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Saka out with hamstring injury
• Returns to Arsenal training ground
• Arteta sets task for recovering winger

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Saka suffered a hamstring injury last month against Crystal Palace, with the England international likely to be out until March after having surgery. Arsenal boss Arteta has revealed that the 23-year-old has repeatedly visited the club's Sobha Reality Training Centre since then and amid his time on the sidelines, the Spaniard has set Saka an important goal.

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  WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

  He told reporters: "He’s been around a lot. It’s great to have him. There’s always a smile on his face. He’s going through a period that is unknown for him because he has never been injured for such a long time. We have discussed the things we can do together and the things he can do to use the time in the right way to make him a better person, to make sure that he spends the time adequately with the opportunity that he has so that when he comes back he is in the right place."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Saka's injury has been keenly felt by Arsenal as they are on the brink of a Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Newcastle United and they are six points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool – who also have a game in hand. The Gunners, whose attack is not as potent without the England ace, will hope they are still in the title race upon Saka's return.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Saka will be keeping a keen eye on Arsenal on Sunday as they host Manchester United in round three of the FA Cup.