England and Arsenal forward faced challenges following 5am surgery on Christmas Eve but feels he has returned to a stable position
There were some positives to the first major break in Bukayo Saka’s career, allowing him to come back with “a slightly more balanced perspective on football and life.” More quality time with family, increased reading, and focusing on his new puppy, Tucker the cockapoo, buoyed his spirits during the three-month absence due to a torn hamstring that disrupted his and Arsenal’s season. Yet, during the lowest points, which included a 5am surgery on Christmas Eve, the fear of uncertainty that all elite athletes dread set in.
“Reflecting on it, I’m pleased with how I handled everything,” Saka says. “The initial couple of days were the hardest, coming to terms with the need for surgery. You start to wonder: ‘Will I be the same?’ as some players never reclaim their form after such injuries. But two days later, the surgery was performed successfully, and I looked ahead. I was very positive and dedicated to my diet, gym, pitch work, and the physios would agree. I feel I’ve come back in a good place.”
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