logo
Bukayo Saka feared he wouldn't be the same player after Arsenal injury hell as kind gesture to hospital staff revealed

Bukayo Saka feared he wouldn't be the same player after Arsenal injury hell as kind gesture to hospital staff revealed

The Sun7 hours ago

BUKAYO SAKA lay in his hospital bed on Christmas Eve, doubting whether he would be as good a player in the future as he had been in the past.
But thanks to a self-help book and the mindful joy of a new puppy, the England and Arsenal star has returned from hamstring surgery focused only on the present.
6
6
And it is that perspective that can help put a frustrating campaign — that began with a Euros final loss for England and ended trophyless for his club — behind him.
Saka, 23, said: 'I was not happy with last season — how it went and how it ended.
'But the only thing I can do now is look forward and try to be the best version of myself and help my team-mates be the same.'
The Londoner went under the knife on December 24 after sustaining the injury three days prior in a 5-1 win at Crystal Palace.
In typical, kind fashion, he opted to do the procedure 24 hours before Christmas so the surgeons could be with their nearest and dearest the following day.
He made it home to spend Christmas with his loved ones but what followed was nearly four months out which he used for self-reflection.
The Gunners talisman said: 'I had gone from five years straight playing football, either involved with the team every single day training or playing games. Everything stops.
'You are on crutches, in hospital and need help around the house for the first few weeks.
'I got to spend more time with my family and got to do little things around the house that I wouldn't have even paid attention to when I was playing.
'On that note it was nice and I've come back with a bit more of a balanced head about football and life, and I'm trying to balance them better. It definitely helped me mentally.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka's glam girlfriend Tolami Benson steals the show in daring outfit at The Fashion Awards
6
'The first two days were the toughest, that realisation that I've got what I've got and I need an operation.
'You start to think, 'Am I going to be the same?' as players came back from this injury and weren't the same.
'After two days my surgery was done, and successful, and you just look forward. I was really positive and put in all the work I needed with my diet, in the gym, on the pitch and the physios would say the same. I feel I've come back in a good place.'
Saka is a keen reader of non-fiction and was inspired by a recommendation from Arsenal assistant coach Carlos Cuesta during his time sidelined.
It is called The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and its message struck a chord with the talented winger.
He added: 'It's a really good book. It's about not thinking about the past, not thinking about the future, just being in the moment.
'Sometimes I can think, 'Oh, am I going to come back in the best shape?' Or, in the past, 'What could I have done to prevent injury?'
'But all that is not necessary. It's only going to bring bad energy, negativity to your body.
'One of the best things I took from the book is always ask yourself, what's necessary in this moment right now and try to live that way.'
Saka spent Christmas Day in a brace and on crutches at his cousin's, having had surgery at 5am the previous day.
He claimed it took him 'ten minutes' to get to the dining room for dinner.
So when his lively new Cockapoo called Tucker turned up soon after, it was not easy 'to get after him', as Saka put it, even if having the pooch has been a 'good and funny experience'.
On Tuesday against Senegal at Nottingham Forest's City Ground, Saka hopes to ­feature for the first time under Thomas Tuchel, who he describes as 'demanding and intense' on the grass but 'relaxed and nice' off it.
Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich chief Tuchel has been brought in with the sole remit of winning the World Cup next year after a series of near-misses under predecessor Gareth Southgate.
The German has won all three of his games, without conceding a goal, but underwhelmed with performances, especially in Saturday's drab 1-0 victory over Andorra in Barcelona.
And Saka admits England sometimes have a motivation issue against the smaller nations.
6
6
But the bottom line — and Saka knows this best after a tough 12 months — is that winning is what matters most.
He added: 'Every player is different and I can't answer for every player but naturally in the bigger games everyone is going to give a bit more.
'In these other games we need to find a level where we can maintain that same quality and drive and hunger for the whole game.
'It's not easy at times but we need to find that and get these games over the line.
'The Andorra game, we still won, got another three points on the board and kept a clean sheet. It's job done.
'The expectation is to win, rather than entertain. If you can have both, then perfect. But we feel more the expectation is to win than to entertain.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Tuesday's briefing: Bellamy defiant after Wales loss as Scotland bounce back
Tuesday's briefing: Bellamy defiant after Wales loss as Scotland bounce back

The Herald Scotland

time27 minutes ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Tuesday's briefing: Bellamy defiant after Wales loss as Scotland bounce back

England look to shrug off their struggle to sink minnows Andorra with head coach Thomas Tuchel aware there is plenty of room for improvement ahead of their clash with Senegal. Bellamy's pride in Lions ⏰ FT | 🇧🇪 4-3 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 An enthralling encounter comes to an end in Brussels. 💻 — Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) June 9, 2025 Craig Bellamy refused to be downhearted after tasting defeat for the first time as Wales boss after an extraordinary seven-goal thriller in Belgium. Wales clawed back from 3-0 down to draw level in a match blighted by lengthy VAR checks before Kevin De Bruyne broke the visitors' hearts by sealing a late 4-3 win for the hosts. The defeat meant Wales were knocked off the top of World Cup qualifying group J by North Macedonia, following their 1-0 win in Kazakhstan. But Bellamy said: 'There's a lot of life in this group and today I saw a lot of life in this team. We aren't going anywhere. 'I will have a couple of weeks now of recharging, but I'm beyond proud and really excited about the future.' Clarke's delight as Scots get back on track Che Adams was a hat-trick hero for Scotland in Liechtenstein (Steve Welsh/PA) Scotland head coach Steve Clarke was satisfied with the way his side bounced back from their 3-1 defeat to Iceland at Hampden Park as they strolled to a 4-0 friendly win in Liechtenstein. Having only scored once in his 19 previous internationals, Che Adams hit a hat-trick and George Adams grabbed his first international goal to restore a mood of optimism in the Scotland camp. 'Our players had a little bit of anger in the performance at the start of the game – they knew that they'd let themselves down in the previous match,' said Clarke. 'So, to start well and get the early goal makes it more comfortable and it's nice to build on that with another three goals. Teams maybe win here but not too many come and score four goals.' Tuchel wants England improvement Thomas Tuchel watched England labour to beat Andorra (Bradley Collyer/PA) Thomas Tuchel has conceded England still have plenty of improvements to make as they prepare to face Senegal in a friendly at Wembley. The new head coach was far from pleased with the way his side laboured to a 1-0 win against minnows Andorra in their World Cup qualifier at the weekend. Ahead of their clash with the African side, Tuchel said: 'We need to improve, for sure. We need to improve in connections, in support, in interactions in the group. 'I feel we are too isolated on the pitch. We have not clicked yet. I don't see it has clicked between the players. 'We haven't done that yet, but it's also not the moment to look only on the negative side. We have a lot of positives to take away in training and in the sessions I see a lot of it, and it will obviously take a little bit to translate it to the pitch.' Spurs close in on Frank Thomas Frank is set to become Tottenham's new manager (Bradley Collyer/PA) Tottenham are closing in on making Brentford boss Thomas Frank their next head coach, the PA news agency understands. Spurs sacked Ange Postecoglou on Friday, despite Europa League success, and quickly set their sights on Frank – who has gained admirers for his work over an impressive seven-year period at the west London club. After positive discussions over the weekend, there is a growing confidence that Frank – whose contract contains a release clause reported to be in the region of £10million – will be the man to replace Postecoglou. What's on today? England face Senegal in a Wembley friendly as Thomas Tuchel continues to survey his options for their continuing World Cup qualifying campaign. The Republic of Ireland are in friendly action in Luxembourg while Northern Ireland host Scotland's recent conquerors Iceland at Windsor Park.

Tuesday's briefing: Bellamy defiant after Wales loss as Scotland bounce back
Tuesday's briefing: Bellamy defiant after Wales loss as Scotland bounce back

South Wales Argus

time32 minutes ago

  • South Wales Argus

Tuesday's briefing: Bellamy defiant after Wales loss as Scotland bounce back

Meanwhile, Tottenham continue to close in on Brentford's Thomas Frank as their new boss and appear willing to meet the latter's £10million release clause to get their man. England look to shrug off their struggle to sink minnows Andorra with head coach Thomas Tuchel aware there is plenty of room for improvement ahead of their clash with Senegal. Bellamy's pride in Lions ⏰ FT | 🇧🇪 4-3 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 An enthralling encounter comes to an end in Brussels. 💻 — Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) June 9, 2025 Craig Bellamy refused to be downhearted after tasting defeat for the first time as Wales boss after an extraordinary seven-goal thriller in Belgium. Wales clawed back from 3-0 down to draw level in a match blighted by lengthy VAR checks before Kevin De Bruyne broke the visitors' hearts by sealing a late 4-3 win for the hosts. The defeat meant Wales were knocked off the top of World Cup qualifying group J by North Macedonia, following their 1-0 win in Kazakhstan. But Bellamy said: 'There's a lot of life in this group and today I saw a lot of life in this team. We aren't going anywhere. 'I will have a couple of weeks now of recharging, but I'm beyond proud and really excited about the future.' Clarke's delight as Scots get back on track Che Adams was a hat-trick hero for Scotland in Liechtenstein (Steve Welsh/PA) Scotland head coach Steve Clarke was satisfied with the way his side bounced back from their 3-1 defeat to Iceland at Hampden Park as they strolled to a 4-0 friendly win in Liechtenstein. Having only scored once in his 19 previous internationals, Che Adams hit a hat-trick and George Adams grabbed his first international goal to restore a mood of optimism in the Scotland camp. 'Our players had a little bit of anger in the performance at the start of the game – they knew that they'd let themselves down in the previous match,' said Clarke. 'So, to start well and get the early goal makes it more comfortable and it's nice to build on that with another three goals. Teams maybe win here but not too many come and score four goals.' Tuchel wants England improvement Thomas Tuchel watched England labour to beat Andorra (Bradley Collyer/PA) Thomas Tuchel has conceded England still have plenty of improvements to make as they prepare to face Senegal in a friendly at Wembley. The new head coach was far from pleased with the way his side laboured to a 1-0 win against minnows Andorra in their World Cup qualifier at the weekend. Ahead of their clash with the African side, Tuchel said: 'We need to improve, for sure. We need to improve in connections, in support, in interactions in the group. 'I feel we are too isolated on the pitch. We have not clicked yet. I don't see it has clicked between the players. 'We haven't done that yet, but it's also not the moment to look only on the negative side. We have a lot of positives to take away in training and in the sessions I see a lot of it, and it will obviously take a little bit to translate it to the pitch.' Spurs close in on Frank Thomas Frank is set to become Tottenham's new manager (Bradley Collyer/PA) Tottenham are closing in on making Brentford boss Thomas Frank their next head coach, the PA news agency understands. Spurs sacked Ange Postecoglou on Friday, despite Europa League success, and quickly set their sights on Frank – who has gained admirers for his work over an impressive seven-year period at the west London club. After positive discussions over the weekend, there is a growing confidence that Frank – whose contract contains a release clause reported to be in the region of £10million – will be the man to replace Postecoglou. What's on today? England face Senegal in a Wembley friendly as Thomas Tuchel continues to survey his options for their continuing World Cup qualifying campaign. The Republic of Ireland are in friendly action in Luxembourg while Northern Ireland host Scotland's recent conquerors Iceland at Windsor Park.

Phone call could see Arsenal lose out on Zubimendi deal as Ian Wright makes plea
Phone call could see Arsenal lose out on Zubimendi deal as Ian Wright makes plea

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

Phone call could see Arsenal lose out on Zubimendi deal as Ian Wright makes plea

Arsenal have been chasing Martin Zubimendi but Real Madrid are looking to swoop in and steal a march as Ian Wright urges the Gunners to consider a move for Ademola Lookman Arsenal are yet to make a signing this summer but there is plenty bubbling away at the Emirates with several new faces on their radar. A new striker is a priority for Mikel Arteta and co as they look to end their Premier League wait. Benjamin Sesko is their prime target as they look to land a No 9 who can be a regular supply of goals. Just behind him and Martin Zubimendi is also on their radar having been a long-term target. It was previously reported that an agreement was close, but that could no longer the case. ‌ A cut-price deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Chelsea star who remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper, is also in the pipeline. The Spaniard could be available for just £5million. ‌ Arteta has also seen several players leave this summer, the likes of Jorginho and Kieran Tierney, which means a lot of experience has left the building. Thomas Partey's deal expires in June but talks are ongoing regarding an extension. Here's the latest news coming out of north London. Zubimendi phone call could curtail transfer Arsenal are sweating on a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi after Real Madrid stepped up their interest in the Spain international, according to reports. Zubimendi has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates and it was thought a deal was practically agreed ahead of the summer transfer window. According to Marca, a deal for Zubimendi has become more complicated after Madrid joined the chase for the player, with "real interest" from Xabi Alonso's side as they bid to replace the outgoing Luka Modric. Zubimendi will now be eager to sort out his future, which remains up in the air despite appearing destined for Arsenal. The report from Marca claims he received a phone call from Madrid that has "changed everything". Wright's transfer wish Ian Wright has urged Arsenal to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman this summer, stating that the Nigerian has 'unfinished business' in the Premier League. Now 27, he has spent the past three seasons with Serie A overachievers Atalanta, where his performances have caught the eye - not least his stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final 12 months ago. ‌ Gunners legend Wright named Lookman as a player he would like to see at the Emirates Stadium next season. The former striker was asked about some of his favourite moments of the season on his Wrighty's House podcast earlier this month. He said: 'I'm going to go with Ademola Lookman winning the African Player of the Year in respects of that man's journey. 'I remember him from Charlton, it didn't work out [the] £10million [move] to Everton, then moving all over the place, the journey from loan to this. Then I think that's one of the most devastating performances I've seen in any final with that hat-trick he scored. I hope we can buy him, Arsenal. I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, 'Listen, I have unfinished business here so I am going to help Arsenal win the league'." Lineker surprised by Delap stance Gary Lineker has expressed his surprise that Arsenal overlooked Liam Delap in their quest for a new striker. The 22-year-old forward recently joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town. The Gunners have identified signing a new number nine as a priority in the summer transfer window but opted against going after Delap - instead identifying the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Sesko. ‌ "Delap to Chelsea, interesting one," Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast. "I thought maybe Arsenal would go for him. Perhaps they did, I don't know, but Chelsea have got their man. "We'd said, didn't we, many times that Chelsea needed backup for [Nicolas] Jackson up top or an alternative. I think he's a young, exciting centre forward. I saw someone, I can't remember who it was, said they saw a bit of a young Alan Shearer in him."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store