Mikel Arteta must be wondering when his luck will turn.
On the same night that Bukayo Saka marked his long-awaited return with a goal, Arsenal’s injury crisis deepened as key defender Gabriel limped off, casting doubt over his availability for next week’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
The Brazilian center-back suffered a hamstring injury in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Fulham—an issue that has plagued Arsenal’s squad this season. Forward Kai Havertz’s campaign was already cut short by a similar problem, while Saka had been sidelined for 101 days.
Adding to Arteta’s concerns, Netherlands international Jurrien Timber was also forced off with a knee injury, while Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori missed the game due to ongoing knee troubles.
Saka Delivers ‘Incredible Moments’ for Arsenal Fans
While Arsenal’s growing injury list is a major headache for Arteta, Saka’s return provided a moment of pure relief. The 23-year-old winger needed just seven minutes to make an impact, sealing three crucial points for an Arsenal side that has struggled in his absence.
His goal sparked jubilation among the home supporters, and he made a beeline for lead physical performance coach Sam Wilson—who played a vital role in his recovery—to share the celebration.
“It was a beautiful moment to see how much our people love, respect, and admire Bukayo,” Arteta said of the emotional celebration.
“He’s not a surprise to any of us, and his reaction says it all. The first thing he does after scoring? He runs to thank the medical team for their hard work. He lifted the stadium, the energy—it’s great to have him back.”
Arsenal have struggled to break teams down without Saka, a problem compounded by long-term injuries to Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, which ultimately derailed their Premier League title push.
Their recurring struggles were evident in the first half against Fulham, where they dominated possession but lacked cutting edge until makeshift striker Mikel Merino opened the scoring in the 37th minute.
Saka’s return was met with a standing ovation, both when his name was read out and again when he stepped onto the pitch for the first time since December. With the Champions League now Arsenal’s only remaining silverware opportunity, his presence will be vital if they are to overcome reigning European champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Saka’s Impact by the Numbers
The statistics underline just how much Arsenal have missed Saka.
In the 16 Premier League games he played before his injury, the Gunners scored 34 goals—averaging 2.1 per game. In the 13 matches he missed, that figure dropped to 19 goals at a rate of 1.5 per game.
Arsenal’s points per game also declined from 2.1 to 1.9 in his absence, while their expected goals per match fell from 1.9 to 1.2. The team’s ability to create high-quality chances suffered as well, with big chances per game dropping from 3.4 to 2.4.
“There is a huge reliance on Saka, and Arsenal have missed him badly,” former Brighton striker Glenn Murray told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“He’s back now, just in time for Real Madrid. His return doesn’t just lift the players—it lifts the entire club.”
Tuesday’s win moved Arsenal to within nine points of league leaders Liverpool, but with the Gunners having played a game more, their title challenge remains unlikely.
“They’ve watched the Premier League slip away in recent weeks,” Murray added.
“They’ve lacked a true number nine, and they’ve been without their ‘starboy’ Saka. His return could be a game-changer. Even if he’s not at full tilt yet, he makes those around him better.
“Saka is the difference-maker—he just knows where to be, what to do. His goal showed that once again.”
‘We Need Him for Big Matches’ – Gabriel’s Absence a Major Concern
While Saka’s return is a massive boost, Arsenal now face the prospect of being without Gabriel for one of their biggest games of the season.
A suspected hamstring injury makes it unlikely the center-back will recover in time for next Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg. His absence would be a huge blow, given his importance at both ends of the pitch.
The 27-year-old has scored three goals and provided three assists in 28 Premier League appearances this season. Since his debut against Fulham in September 2020, no Premier League defender has scored more than his 17 goals.
Arteta acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Gabriel’s condition.
“Gabi felt something in his hamstring,” the Arsenal boss confirmed.
“We don’t know the severity yet, and the same goes for Jurrien. He was already struggling early in the game but tried to continue. Eventually, he couldn’t.”
Gabriel’s importance to Arsenal is reflected in their record with and without him. Since his Premier League debut, Arsenal have won 63.5% of the 159 games he has played, compared to just 40.9% of the 22 matches he has missed.
Midfielder Declan Rice highlighted just how crucial Gabriel has been this season.
“I don’t know what’s happened, but I hope he’s okay because he’s been arguably our best player this season,” Rice said.
“We need him for big matches and big occasions.”
Arsenal’s Resilience Will Be Tested
Despite the mounting setbacks, Arteta remains defiant.
“This has been our reality all season,” he said.
“You look at [Gabriel] Martinelli—he missed three months. Bukayo was out for four. Kai, four months. Gabi Jesus, almost the whole season. Ben White hasn’t participated at all.
“And yet, we are still in the fight. We want this so badly, and we are going to give it everything. We are very excited for the week ahead.”
With a crucial Champions League showdown looming, Arsenal’s ability to overcome adversity will once again be put to the test.