BUKAYO SAKA scored just seven minutes into his first appearance in 101 days.
The Arsenal star, 23, had been missing since undergoing hamstring surgery in December.
Boss Mikel Arteta revealed on Monday that Saka was fully ready and raring to go.
The winger was named on the bench for tonight’s clash with Fulham and was thrown on for Ethan Nwaneri in the 66th minute.
Just seven minutes later he found the net, heading home from close range following Gabriel Martinelli’s flick.
Saka immediately ran over to the Arsenal bench to celebrate.
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The England star singled out fitness coach Sam Wilson.
Arsenal’s No7 has known Wilson for several years, having also worked with him in the Gunners’ Under-21s team.
The North Londoners had already led 1-0 when Saka was introduced, courtesy of Mikel Merino’s heavily deflected first half effort.
Rodrigo Muniz went on to score a late consolation, although Arsenal saw out a 2-1 victory.
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Arteta’s side lost Gabriel to injury just 16 minutes into the contest.
The Brazilian went down holding his hamstring following a chase with Adama Traore.
Gabriel, 27, went off shaking his head and was replaced by Jakub Kiwior.
The centre-back is now a huge doubt for next week’s huge Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
Reporting on the injury on Sky Sports News, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood said of Gabriel: “He won’t be the first player to have popped a hamstring trying to chase Adama Traore.
“That’s what happened in the middle of the pitch and it looked like he just ripped it. That is his season over.
“If that’s a bad hamstring that is him finished. He’s walking off but he’s shaking his head, he doesn’t look good.”
Jurrien Timber was also brought off in the 78th minute after struggling throughout the game in another worrying sign ahead of the Madrid clash.
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Arsenal are next in action on Saturday when they face Everton at Goodison Park.
Saka and Co will then host Real Madrid next Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
