Bukayo Saka injury confession speaks volumes after rushing back too soon for Arsenal

Bukayo Saka has revealed how targeting last season's huge Champions League knockout tie against Real Madrid helped him recover from a serious injury.

The Arsenal winger missed over three months of action after undergoing surgery on a torn hamstring suffered in December 2024.

Seven days prior to that hugely significant European clash with the holders, Saka made his return and played the final 30 minutes of a 2-1 victory over Fulham where he grabbed the winner. A 45-minute appearance off the bench against Everton followed that weekend before he started against Real under the lights at Emirates Stadium.

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Declan Rice stole the show in the first leg with two stunning free-kicks in a huge 3-0 win, but it was Saka that rose to the occasion in the Bernabeu as he showed great composure to score Arsenal's fourth on aggregate after missing a penalty.

The 24-year-old has now revisited the early period of 2025 when he was recovering with a clear admission made on what motivated him to keep pushing.

“I remember when I got injured, a few weeks after we were watching the Champions League draw," he told Arsenal's official website.

"I saw that if we beat PSV we were going to get Real Madrid. I just told the physio straight away: ’That’s my target. Whatever happens, I need to be ready for that game.’ We were just working towards that constantly.

“So when the day arrived and I was able to start that game, I wouldn’t say I was in the best shape fitness-wise, but it didn’t matter – because mentally I was. I’m glad I was there because it was a very special night at the Emirates.”

Based on his very honest claims, it is quite clear that Saka had his return date in mind even before he was running again which certainly showcases his character.

The England international was on the score sheet in the next round, but Arsenal were ultimately knocked out by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Saka has seen his start to the 2025/26 campaign disrupted by injury with another hamstring problem keeping him out of action for a few weeks.

He is back fit and available now though and looks to be in great form having picked up a direct goal contribution in all of his last four appearances for club and country.

Goals against Olympiacos and West Ham United for Arsenal have been followed up by a superb strike against Wales andassist in the 5-0 drubbing of Latvia which sealed England's spot in the 2026 World Cup.

Saka has already spoken about injuries in the last week with the Hale End graduate delivering a telling verdict on his recent injury and overall fitness.

"Obviously I started the season and picked up an injury, which killed me a bit but I'm starting to feel good again," he said.

"I'm still not at my sharpest, but I'm starting to feel good again and I've scored in my last three games, so I'm happy with that and want to continue in that way."