Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is closing in on a return to action(Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel and Bukayo Saka moment spotted as Arsenal star close to return

by · football.london

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka shared a moment with England manager Thomas Tuchel following the Three Lions' 3-0 win over Latvia in World Cup qualifying on Monday evening.

The winger is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and has been since December last year. As a result, he was not included in Tuchel's first England squad as manager, but will no doubt have a significant role to play in the remaining qualifiers, as well as the tournament in 2026 should they secure a place.

Saka was present at Wembley on Monday as goals from Reece James, Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze inspired England to a comfortable victory. Only top spot in each group automatically qualifies for the World Cup and England currently lead the way on six points ahead of Albania, Latvia, Serbia and Andorra.

In a clip shared by ITV Sport after the game, Saka was seen congratulating Tuchel on the victory and the pair exchanged a few words. It has previously been stated the 23-year-old could return in April, which means he should be available for England's next qualifier against Andorra in June, which will be followed by a friendly against Senegal.

Saka's return to fitness will also come at a crucial point in the season for Arsenal, with a Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid to come next month. That being said, it is not yet known whether the attacker will be ready in time for those games, but it would certainly come as a welcomed boost for Mikel Arteta if he is available.

Arsenal's Premier League run-in also includes significant fixtures against the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle and Bournemouth as they battle it out to ensure they finish in the top four. Not only that, should Liverpool suffer a dip in form towards the end of the campaign, Arteta will hope his side can remain within touching distance to capitalise on any potential dropped points.

From an England perspective, the right wing was occupied by both Jarrod Bowen and Phil Foden during the international break. Neither were able to find the back of the net against Albania or Latvia and it is fair to say that Saka will likely be the favoured option in that position upon his return.


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