Mikel Arteta: We’re Forcing Saka To Go On Holiday, He Needs It

By The Editor
on 18th January 2025

Arteta wants Saka on a beach…

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Gunners star Bukayo Saka has been told to go on holiday as he recovers from going under the knife to cure a torn hamstring.

Saka was present at the Emirates Stadium for the first time since that fateful night at Selhurst Park as the 23-year-old watched on to see us claim the bragging rights in the North London Derby.

Saka will be out until March and given that he’s still on crutches, Arteta is eager for his superstar forward to take full advantage of this period and enjoy some time away.

The Spaniard revealed that Saka has been around the squad at London Colney since his surgery and now believes the England international can continue his rehab on a beach somewhere.

Indeed, Arsenal are eyeing their own mid-season break (via The Standard) and, following our exit from the FA Cup, there is space in the calendar early next month to enjoy 10 days away.

“Yeah, he needs to!” Arteta said when asked if Saka is going to go on holiday (via HaytersTV).

“He’s obligated to go. With his girlfriend, with his family – that he can choose!

“He needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He can still do a lot of things of the rehab because it’s the perfect stage right now.

“He’s been every single day there, but there’s a moment – especially when we plan – we’re going to be away for a few days that he needs to do that. That’s very important for him and we need to look after our players.”

Should Arteta decide to take the squad for a warm-weather training camp in Dubai next month, that would give Saka a chance to get some sun and still be around the squad.

Dubai is a popular destination for players looking for a little break given the proximity to London in terms of flight time and time difference – it’s also warm all year round.

The sight of Saka still needing crutches to walk gave fans the wrenching feeling that we may not see the Hale End graduate for the remainder of the campaign.