Arsenal will receive a major boost ahead of the match against Newcastle with the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafioli. Both players have been sidelined for varying periods through injury in recent weeks, but now appear ready to play their part in the Gunners’ bid for the Premier League title.
“There’s no problem. Bukayo will probably be in the team. It’s very good news. Ricciardo is also in the team,” Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Magpies. The Spaniard also admitted that the match arrived too soon for Julian Timber, who is still unavailable.
Saka has not featured for Arsenal since starting in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City before the recent international break.
The England winger was dealing with an Achilles tendon issue and needed to be dealt with carefully.
He missed out on playing time against City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend but could earn some valuable minutes tomorrow.
Arteta added that Saka seemed happy to have him back in the squad, saying: “He was in great spirits today. You could see that today.”
Defender Timber, meanwhile, has been sidelined for the better part of six weeks since limping off against Everton on March 14. The Dutchman started in the 2-0 win over the Toffees, but was forced to come off as a substitute due to a groin problem, and also suffered a banged ankle.
Calafioli was injured in the 1-0 Champions League win against Sporting CP and was out for a slightly shorter time than Saka and Timber.
He missed the second leg and was also forced to miss the recent league match between Bournemouth and title challengers Manchester City.
Arsenal aim to return to the top of the table this weekend, while City face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final.
The Gunners dropped to second place on Wednesday night after Manchester City’s 1-0 win away at Burnley saw Scott Parker’s side relegated.
