OFFICIAL: Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back in final training ahead of Manchester United clash, the boys trained under high intensity – as Arteta confirmed ahead of huge champions League clash with Real Madrid

The landscape of Arsenal’s 2024/25 season, which at one point appeared to be teetering on the brink of a disappointing conclusion, has dramatically shifted. A significant wave of optimism is now sweeping through North London, fueled by the highly anticipated return of key attacking figures, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, to full training. This development comes at a truly pivotal juncture for Mikel Arteta’s squad, providing a much-needed boost as they brace themselves for a crucial run of fixtures, including a monumental Champions League showdown against European giants Real Madrid.

Just a few weeks prior, the mood around the Emirates Stadium had been considerably more subdued. Arsenal’s form had taken an concerning dip, particularly in front of goal, with the team failing to find the back of the net in three of their last four competitive matches. This uncharacteristic attacking impotence threatened to derail their ambitions across multiple competitions, seemingly dimming hopes for what was once a promising dual assault on both domestic and European silverware. The whispers of a season ending “with a whimper” were growing louder.

The preceding month had been particularly challenging for the Gunners. Their Carabao Cup journey had come to an abrupt and disappointing halt, as they were unceremoniously knocked out of the competition by a resilient Newcastle United side. This cup exit was compounded by a significant dent in their Premier League title aspirations. Five crucial points were dropped in the fiercely contested race against Liverpool, first through a frustrating loss to West Ham United, followed by an equally disheartening draw against Nottingham Forest.

These results created a considerable and concerning gap at the top of the Premier League table, with a substantial 13 points now separating Arsenal from the league leaders. Such a deficit often forces teams to re-evaluate their priorities. For Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff, this widening gap undoubtedly prompted serious consideration of placing all their remaining focus and energy squarely on their Champions League campaign, recognizing it as their most viable pathway to major silverware this season.

Arsenal’s initial task on their ambitious road to Munich, the host city for the Champions League final, in the knockout stages presented itself in the form of a challenging last-16 first-leg away fixture against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. Given their recent struggles in front of goal and the significant injury absences, many observers approached this tie with a degree of trepidation, anticipating a tight and potentially frustrating encounter against a capable European opponent on their home turf.

However, against all expectations, Arsenal delivered an absolutely stunning and emphatic performance, passing the test with flying colours and silencing their critics in the most spectacular fashion imaginable. The Gunners, despite their recent goal-scoring woes, unleashed an offensive masterclass, dismantling their Dutch opponents with an incredible 7-1 victory. This astonishing result was a powerful statement of intent, showcasing the true depth of their attacking talent even without key players.

The goals flowed freely that night, originating from a diverse range of contributors, highlighting the collective strength of Arteta’s attacking system. Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Martin Odegaard (who netted two goals), Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard, and Riccardo Calafiori all found the back of the net for Arsenal, each strike a testament to fluid movement, incisive passing, and clinical finishing. PSV’s solitary consolation goal came from Noa Lang, but it did little to diminish the sheer dominance displayed by the visitors.

Considering the difficult few weeks leading up to the match, marked by frustrating results and, critically, the absence of key attacking lynchpins like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli due to injury, such a comprehensive score line was almost unfathomable. It was a result that barely anyone in the footballing world could have predicted, underscoring the unpredictable and often magical nature of the beautiful game, where narratives can shift dramatically in a single performance.

Mikel Arteta himself, when pressed on the astonishing outcome, initially joked about having predicted such a result, before admitting with a more serious tone, “No [I didn’t expect seven goals].” He then eloquently encapsulated the essence of football’s inherent unpredictability, stating, “That’s the beauty of it, nobody in this room, if I give you an envelope and say, can you predict what’s going to happen tomorrow and who is going to score, that’s the beauty of football.” This philosophy highlights the need for constant vigilance and humility.

Arteta continued, emphasizing the importance of remaining grounded despite such a resounding triumph: “In football, and you do very well today, put your head down, be humble, analyse how you can improve.” This managerial ethos underscores a commitment to continuous self-assessment and refinement, preventing complacency from creeping in. He then delivered a stark reminder of the challenges ahead: “Because the next game is going to be completely different to this one, and nobody can write the script, unfortunately, even if we would like to.”

While the second leg against PSV remains a formality, with Arsenal holding an insurmountable aggregate lead, the attention now quickly turns to the quarter-finals. It can be safely assumed that Arsenal will be progressing to the last eight of the Champions League, marking a significant achievement for the club. The anticipation now builds around their potential opponents, with the winners of the highly competitive Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid awaiting them in what promises to be a titanic clash.

The second leg against PSV is scheduled to take place at the Emirates Stadium next Wednesday, a mere four days after Arsenal’s next pivotal Premier League fixture away at Old Trafford against fierce rivals Manchester United. This demanding schedule highlights the relentless nature of elite football and the importance of squad depth. Following the United match, another three crucial league games are on the horizon, featuring home fixtures against Chelsea and Fulham, interspersed with a challenging trip to Everton.

It is after this demanding sequence of domestic encounters, specifically coinciding with the European quarter-final clash, that the highly anticipated return of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to competitive action is most realistically projected. Both exceptionally talented forwards have been sidelined for varying periods due to hamstring issues, their absence keenly felt during Arsenal’s recent struggles. Their return, however, could not be timed more perfectly for Mikel Arteta and his strategic objectives.

While it may not be explicitly admitted publicly, there is a growing consensus within and around the club that winning the Champions League has emerged as the unequivocal priority for the remainder of the season. Given this overriding objective, there is a strong rationale against rushing Saka and Martinelli back prematurely for the relatively less significant second leg against PSV or any of the upcoming four league games, especially with the Premier League title looking increasingly out of reach.

Bukayo Saka, in particular, has endured a significant period on the sidelines, having missed a number of months due to his hamstring injury, which reportedly required surgery back in December. Given the nature and severity of such an injury, there is absolutely no guarantee of an immediate return to full match fitness. The club will, understandably, exercise extreme caution in managing his rehabilitation and reintegration, prioritizing his long-term health and preventing any potential re-injury that could be devastating.

Gabriel Martinelli, having fortunately missed a comparatively shorter period of time due to his hamstring issue, appears to be on a quicker recovery trajectory. It is entirely conceivable that the Brazilian winger could be deemed fit enough to start that first leg of the Champions League quarter-final in North London, which is scheduled for the week commencing April 7th. His explosive pace and direct attacking threat would be an invaluable asset in such a high-stakes encounter, providing a vital injection of dynamism.

The second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, particularly if it involves a trip to the iconic Bernabeu stadium to face Real Madrid, is currently being viewed as a more realistic and strategically optimal match for Bukayo Saka to make his highly anticipated starting return. By this point, he would have had several additional weeks of full team training, allowing him to regain match sharpness, build confidence, and truly integrate back into the squad’s tactical rhythm without undue pressure, maximizing his impact when it matters most.

The return of these two dynamic attackers not only adds immense quality to Arsenal’s squad but also provides Mikel Arteta with crucial tactical flexibility. Their presence will allow for more rotation, reducing the risk of burnout for other key players as the season reaches its climax. This depth will be paramount in navigating the demanding schedule of both domestic and European football, ensuring that Arsenal can maintain a high level of performance across multiple fronts.

Furthermore, the psychological boost provided by Saka and Martinelli’s return cannot be overstated. Their energy, creativity, and goal-scoring threat are infectious, capable of galvanizing the entire team and reigniting the confidence that may have wavered during their absence. This mental uplift can often be as significant as any tactical adjustment, particularly in the high-pressure environment of Champions League knockout football, inspiring their teammates to elevate their own performances.

In conclusion, while Arsenal faced a challenging period marked by injuries and a dip in form, the timely return of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli signals a renewed sense of purpose and ambition. With the Premier League title a distant prospect, the focus has unequivocally shifted to the Champions League. The Gunners, now bolstered by the return of their star wingers, are poised to launch a formidable challenge in Europe’s elite competition, with all eyes on that eagerly awaited quarter-final clash against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.