Bukayo Saka is set to return for Arsenal after three months out with a hamstring tear; England international’s injury was a huge blow to the Gunners’ title hopes; his comeback could impact Ethan Nwaneri, Martin Odegaard and Ben White

It is a testament to Bukayo Saka’s importance to Arsenal that even after three months out through injury, he remains their leading provider of goals and assists this season.

His combined total of 22 in 24 appearances in all competitions, before his hamstring tear in the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace in December, still has him three clear of any other player.

Even in the context of Arsenal’s struggles in the opening months of the campaign, Saka was posting the best numbers of his career. His average of 1.08 goal involvements per 90 minutes puts him behind only Mohamed Salah among Premier League players this season.

The statistics are a reminder of how much Arsenal have missed him – and how much they stand to gain as, three months on, the 23-year-old closes in on a return to action.

Saka’s injury a turning point?

Saka is not the only Arsenal attacker to have been sidelined this season. Martin Odegaard missed three months with an ankle problem suffered in September. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz had their campaigns ended by knee injuries in January and February. Gabriel Martinelli has only just returned from a hamstring issue.

Cumulatively, the injuries took a heavy toll. But there is no doubting Saka’s was the most impactful. On the night he pulled up against Palace at Selhurst Park, Arsenal had narrowed the gap to Liverpool to three points. It has widened to 12 points since