Bukayo Saka is used to getting everywhere quickly. He played in the final of a major international tournament at 19, another at 23. He debuted for Arsenal 17. Before his 24th birthday, he is past 250 appearances, having captained them in the Champions League. And yet there was an occasion when his journey was an agonisingly slow affair. It was Christmas Day when the turkey was served.
“When everyone got up to go to the dining room, it took me about ten minutes to get there,” said a man suddenly transformed into Arsenal’s non-flying winger by the most serious injury of his career. Saka underwent hamstring surgery on Christmas Eve. It was testament to his determination to return as soon as possible that he did not delay it until after the festive period. He was grateful to the doctors who set their alarms for the middle of the night.
