Arsenal’s campaign has been hampered by a wave of injuries, leaving many fans wondering what might have been. Could they have pushed Liverpool all the way in the Premier League? Possibly. But despite the setbacks, all is not lost.
The Champions League still offers a golden opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side – if they can overcome the might of Real Madrid in a make-or-break two-legged tie.
Central to that mission is the return of Bukayo Saka. The 23-year-old has been out since December with a troublesome hamstring injury, and his absence has been deeply felt.
Now, back in training and poised to feature against Madrid, his presence could be just what the Gunners need to reignite their season.
But are Arsenal leaning too heavily on Saka? We caught up with former fan favourite Emmanuel Eboué to talk about Saka’s return – and what it says about the team’s European credentials.
Eboué: Arsenal Cannot Just Rely On Saka
Saka last featured in the Premier League during Arsenal’s 5–1 demolition of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on 21st December. Since then, the Gunners have soldiered on, but it’s clear something was missing. His return has sparked hope, but Eboué believes there’s a bigger issue at play.
“When people say Arsenal might have won the league if Saka had not suffered his injury, it says to me Arsenal only rely on Saka,” he says. “Arsenal need to be a team that don’t just rely on one player. It’s a big, big problem with Arsenal because when one good, good player gets injured the team is done.”
Eboué argues that depth is what separates good teams from great ones. And while his admiration for Saka is clear, Eboué urges the team not to fall into the trap of dependency:
“It’s not good. Arsenal need to have a squad where it doesn’t matter if Saka, Ødegaard, Saliba or Gabriel get injured. It matters about the player that comes in to replace them from the bench. They have to be ready and do the job of the other players they’re replacing.”
“I felt really bad for Saka when he suffered the injury but I still believe in the team because it can’t only be Saka that Arsenal rely on. Saka is the leader and when you have him in your team you’re happy and I think it deflated the team when they lost him – but they can’t think that way.”
“My Boy Saka!” – Eboué’s Memories and Admiration
Bukayo Saka is back—and he’s ready to lead his boyhood club into battle against Europe’s most decorated side. Yet while former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué urges the club to build greater depth to avoid over-reliance on Saka, he also can’t hide just how proud he is of the young winger. Especially given how far he’s come—from watching training sessions as a wide-eyed kid to becoming the face of the team.
“My boy Saka! When I was playing for Arsenal, I saw him when he was very, very young,” Eboué recalls fondly. “Every time he was coming to watch our training, I asked him, ‘my boy, do you want to play football?’ He said—’yes, I want to be like Thierry Henry, or like Dennis Bergkamp.’ I said, ‘you have to work very hard because those players are very, very good.’”
Now, years later, that young fan has become one of the most vital figures at the club. Eboué beams with pride as he reflects on Saka’s rise. And with the Real Madrid clash looming, Eboué knows exactly what Saka brings to this side – on the pitch and in spirit.
“Now when I look at what he’s done, I’m very, very happy and proud of him. When I see him playing for Arsenal, the way he’s doing very well, I’m so happy for him.
“I’m so happy to see that Saka is back from the injury. Because he’s the leader in the team and it will be very good for the team to have him for the Real Madrid game.”
Can Arsenal Rise to the Occasion?
Saka’s return is not just a fitness boost – it’s an emotional lift. His drive, leadership, and loyalty to the club embody what Arsenal are trying to become. But as Eboué rightly points out, Arsenal can’t afford to pin their hopes on one player. If they’re to consistently challenge for titles, they’ll need quality in depth and a squad that can weather any storm.
