There are few players more dogged than Bukayo Saka and it would have taken a small army to keep him away from Wednesday’s north London derby, despite his ongoing rehabilitation.
The Arsenal star was pictured watching his team-mates train while steadying himself on crutches ahead of their clash with Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium.
Saka, typically ever-present, underwent surgery on his hamstring in December and is set to be sidelined until March.
He exchanged a hug with a member of staff and was joined by fellow treatment table star Ethan Nwaneri.
Saka has only missed nine Premier League games in the last four seasons but tore his hamstring in December’s 5-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace.
He lasted just 25 minutes at Selhurst Park before pulling up and falling to the ground and has not played since.
It marked a huge blow Mikel Arteta’s side, losing the talisman who had scored nine goals and made 13 assists in all competitions this season.
But the winger had an upbeat message for fans in the wake of his setback, sharing a picture of him holding a thumb up in his hospital bed and writing: ‘The majority see obstacles, but few see the opportunities. Recovery has begun and I’m coming back stronger!
‘Thank you all for your messages.’
In Saka’s absence, 17-year-old winger Ethan Nwaneri had been given the chance to shine and was quickly growing his reputation until his injury.
Nwaneri, who had already scored three goals in the Carabao Cup this season, was handed his full Premier League debut against Brentford in December – more than two years after making his first appearance off the bench and becoming the Gunners’ youngest-ever player.
His performance against Brentford saw him rewarded with another start against Brighton, and he scored after 16 minutes against them, but he had to come off at half-time due to a muscular problem.
More to follow.
