Arsenal star Bukayo Saka issues honest fitness update after hamstring injury - 'It killed me'

Bukayo Saka has delivered an injury update after starring for England (Image: (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images))

Bukayo Saka has admitted he is yet to reach full match sharpness despite scoring in three consecutive games after returning from a hamstring injury. The Arsenal winger picked up the issue back in August during a win over Leeds United which saw him miss the following five games for club and country.

The 23-year-old returned to Mikel Arteta's matchday squad for the 1-1 draw against Manchester City in mid-September and came on at half-time after Noni Madueke picked up a knee injury.

He was back in the starting XI for the trip to Newcastle United seven days later, but was brought off on 70 minutes even with Arsenal searching for a way back into the game. Having missed an extended period, it was no surprise that he was taken off early.

The goal contributions soon returned however, with Saka on target in the final stages of the 2-0 Champions League triumph over Olympiacos. The Hale End academy graduate then scored a penalty in last Saturday's win over West Ham United by the same score line.

Having proven his fitness, Saka returned to Thomas Tuchel's squad for the friendly against Wales and World Cup qualifier against Latvia. After firing in a superb strike in Friday's 3-0 victory over Craig Bellamy's side, Saka spoke to reporters about his mixed start to the campaign.

"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."

Saka would have likely seen his minutes managed much more over the past few weeks had Madueke not suffered an injury of his own right as Saka was ready to return.

(Image: (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images))

After netting his first international goal in 15 months, Thomas Tuchel sent a very clear message to Saka that he expects more.

"How many goals did he score for England?" Tuchel questioned. "13? One three? It has to be more, it’s not enough.

"He needs to keep on going. I thought it was 30, at least, and then I would have said it’s not enough, because I am never satisfied.

"He is such a threat for Arsenal in the most difficult league in the world, so why would he not be at international level? We have the position for him, he has the attitude, the stamina, the talent, everything to be a top player at international level, and that’s what he has to show.

"We can just encourage him to be influential, like he was today. Next game, he needs to try to repeat it."