Arsenal fans have reason to celebrate—Bukayo Saka is back. The English winger returned to full training on Thursday, putting him on track to be available for the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid, set for April 8 at the Emirates Stadium.

Saka, widely regarded alongside Martin Ødegaard as Arsenal's most influential player, has been sidelined since December 21 due to a muscle injury. His return not only eases Mikel Arteta’s concerns but also injects momentum as the Gunners prepare for the most demanding stretch of the season.

Test run before the big night

The 22-year-old could make his official return on Tuesday, when Arsenal face Fulham in the Premier League. That match, along with a clash against Everton, is seen as a crucial opportunity for Saka to regain match sharpness ahead of the Champions League showdown.

After an early exit from the FA Cup, Arsenal had a rare chance to rest and focus on recovery, which has paid off for several players—though not all injury updates are positive.

Mixed injury news for the Gunners

Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have been ruled out for the tie against Real Madrid. There is also growing concern over Riccardo Calafiori, who suffered a knee injury while on international duty with Italy.

Despite these setbacks, Saka’s return significantly boosts Arsenal’s hopes of reaching the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2009. His pace, dribbling, and ability to break through tight defenses could prove crucial against a seasoned Real Madrid backline.