Arsenal fans have been closely monitoring a private flight to London, speculating it could be carrying the player set to replace injured star Bukayo Saka.
However, rather than a high-profile January signing, the focus has shifted to a midfielder Arsenal originally signed for £30 million two years ago but loaned back to his former club after struggling to make an impact in London.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saka recently underwent a procedure on the hamstring injury he sustained during Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on December 21. Arteta expects the forward to be sidelined for more than two months.
Speaking after Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 win against Ipswich, Arteta said, “I would prefer to leave that with the doctor, but he (Saka) had a procedure and will be out for many, many weeks. I think it will be more than two months, but I’m not sure exactly how long.”
Saka later took to Instagram, sharing a post-surgery photo and promising fans he’ll come back stronger.
Arsenal struggled to impress in their latest match, relying on Kai Havertz’s first-half strike to secure the win despite dominating possession at the Emirates.
Bukayo Saka suffered the injury during Arsenal’s victory at Crystal Palace on December 21
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that Saka will be out for at least two months
Fabio Vieira failed to make an impact during his time at the Emirates but may be recalled
Havertz said the responsibility will be on him and his team-mates to step up and fill the void left by Saka. Havertz told Amazon Prime: ‘Everyone has to step up because we know that Bukayo Saka is a very important player for us. But we have to adapt. I try to help the team, it was a different role for me today.’
And Arsenal supporters believe that Arteta is turning to Porto loanee Fabio Vieira who managed just five league starts in his 49 appearances for the Gunners.
Vieira is on a season-long loan at Porto – from whom Arsenal signed him in 2022 – but the club reportedly have the option to recall him and supporters were anxiously tracking a private flight from Porto to London.
The flight left Porto at 11.09 on Saturday morning – after a one hour 40 minute delay – and touched down in London Biggin Hill Airport, in Bromley, just after 1pm.
One supporter wrote on X: ‘It’s nothing personal Porto we need him more’ but not everyone was thrilled at the prospect of Vieira’s return with another posting ‘Oi, send that plane back we don’t want him’.
Vieira had started in Porto’s last five matches but was left out of the squad entirely for Saturday’s 4-0 win at home to Boavista.
Arsenal supporters were anxiously tracking the mysterious private flight from Porto to London
Fabio Vieira made just five league starts for Arsenal but has been a regular for Porto this term
Porto manager Vitor Bruno excluded Fabio Vieira from his latest squad but emphasized his desire for the 24-year-old to remain at the club.
Following Porto’s win, Bruno explained his decision, stating he evaluates players based on performance and attitude in training. He acknowledged Vieira’s talent but stressed the importance of maintaining specific standards and principles within the squad.
“Fabio is very talented, but talent must be supported by certain conditions. When one or two of those conditions are lacking, it complicates things,” Bruno said.
Despite Vieira’s omission, Bruno confirmed the midfielder would be available for selection next week and reiterated Porto’s commitment to him. He dismissed rumors of Vieira’s loan being cut short, affirming the player will remain at Porto for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s recent win over Ipswich reduced their gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points as they prepare for a challenging New Year’s Day fixture against Brentford.