How will Arsenal play the Bukayo Saka game?

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka could be set to return after the international break, but the Gunners must play a cautious game.
Arsenal v Crystal Palace - Carabao Cup Quarter Final
Arsenal v Crystal Palace - Carabao Cup Quarter Final | Alex Pantling/GettyImages

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is edging closer to a return, but Mikel Arteta and the club face a big decision.

Having been without Bukayo Saka since the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace back in December, Arsenal might finally be getting some luck on the injury front.

Yes, it's too little, too late, but we also say better late than never.

With Ben White returning over the past month, so too Gabriel Martinelli, the Gunners' injury list is beginning to thin out somewhat (Riccardo Calafiori the outlier).

With just nine Premier League games left and 12 points behind Liverpool, along with the Champions League clash against Real Madrid coming up, the Gunners could be set to get Saka back, and that will be a sight for sore eyes.

Yes, his absence has been felt with the Gunners losing significant ground in the title race, but maybe Bukayo can return to offer Arsenal some hope moving forward.

But it is here where things between player and club could get interesting.

How does Arsenal integrate Saka back into football?

Arteta stated prior to the Chelsea win before the international break per the Daily Mail:

"He's got a good chance [of returning in April]," Arteta said. "He is going to be here [at London Colney], hopefully, more with the ball at his feet than he has had. He's getting closer; he's stepping up and making very good progress."

So it is here we offer some food for thought - how does Arteta get Saka back into the side?

Granted, he is a walk-up start into most teams around the world, but lets not forget, he's been on the sidelines for a LONG time, which is now pushing over three months - which is why him getting back with a football over the international break could be key.

Considering the type of injury Saka suffered and where Arsenal is in its season, will the club put him straight back into the side? Or will they take the Martinelli approach and have him come on as a substitute for a couple of games to build up his fitness in preparation for Real Madrid?

That is the delicate balancing act the club must undertake because the last thing Arsenal wants is for its star man to break down again, which would then set him back for preseason.

The league title is basically out of reach, and the Champions League looms as a tough outing, but having Saka back gives the Gunners a big boost.

But how the club balances this tricky game will make for a fascinating watch.

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