Bukayo Saka is eyeing a comeback in time to face Real Madrid in Champions League quarter final at the Emirates on Tuesday, April 8.

That would be a huge boost for Mikel Arteta ’s European hopes if his England star could even be a part of the squad and make an impact from the bench.

Arsenal’s hope is that Saka makes good progress over the next ten days and could even be on the bench against Fulham on Tuesday, April 1. They also play at Everton on Saturday, April 5, ahead of the first leg against Real Madrid which gives Saka a huge target to aim for.

Saka suffered a torn hamstring at Crystal Palace on December 21 and underwent surgery with the timeframe always likely to be a three month lay-off.

It is almost exactly three months now and the target in the past few weeks has been for Saka to return to first team training after the international break.

While Saka’s England and other international teammates are away with their countries, the Arsenal star will be stepping up the final part of his rehabilitation.

It is still hugely dependant on Saka not suffering any setbacks and everything going smoothly with Arsenal also determined not to rush his recovery.

But if all goes smoothly then Saka could be back for Arsenal’s biggest games of their season against Real Madrid at the Emirates and then the return leg at the Bernabeu eight days later.

Saka, 23, was the first of Arsenal’s major injury blows this season with Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli all enduring long lay-offs.

Martinelli was a surprise return to the bench at Manchester United last week and now Saka wants to do the same.

Arsenal have missed Saka’s creativity and skill plus his leadership during a time when they have fallen behind in the title race and now the Champions League is their best hope of glory.

Gunners boss Arteta will know that Saka - Arsenal’s most creative and dangerous player - would give them a massive lift for their biggest games of the season.