Mikel Arteta has told Bukayo Saka he can use his injury lay-off to return a "better person", with the winger returning to Arsenal's training ground.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Saka out with hamstring injury
• Returns to Arsenal training ground
• Arteta sets task for recovering winger

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Saka suffered a hamstring injury last month against Crystal Palace, with the England international likely to be out until March after having surgery. Arsenal boss Arteta has revealed that the 23-year-old has repeatedly visited the club's Sobha Reality Training Centre since then and amid his time on the sidelines, the Spaniard has set Saka an important goal.

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  WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

  He told reporters: "He’s been around a lot. It’s great to have him. There’s always a smile on his face. He’s going through a period that is unknown for him because he has never been injured for such a long time. We have discussed the things we can do together and the things he can do to use the time in the right way to make him a better person, to make sure that he spends the time adequately with the opportunity that he has so that when he comes back he is in the right place."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Saka's injury has been keenly felt by Arsenal as they are on the brink of a Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Newcastle United and they are six points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool – who also have a game in hand. The Gunners, whose attack is not as potent without the England ace, will hope they are still in the title race upon Saka's return.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Saka will be keeping a keen eye on Arsenal on Sunday as they host Manchester United in round three of the FA Cup.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News