Arsenal face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday with Mikel Arteta confirming two key players could return from injury
Mikel Arteta has revealed a double Arsenal injury boost for the Premier League clash against Newcastle United. Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori have missed games recently but it is expected that both will be back available to Arteta.
The latter is perhaps the more likely starter having only been absent for a few weeks and with Arteta not fully committing to Saka’s availability. He has not featured since the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City which was over one month ago.
Despite those boosts, Timber is still out of action having missed that showpiece clash at Wembley in its entirety due to a muscular issue suffered the previous weekend. Mikel Merino is also still out as he steps up his recovery from a foot injury that required surgery earlier this year.
With all of that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest updates on Arsenal’s injured players and when they may be able to return…
Bukayo Saka
Saka looks set for an Arsenal return after missing the last five games with an injury.
What Arteta has said: “Bukayo is probably going to be in the squad. So good news. We have given him some time because there was a moment that he was struggling to sustain the performances because he wasn’t comfortable at all and we’ve done that so he had the right treatment, the right space.
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“He has some time as well for himself and it’s the most important part of the season and it’s part of us.”
Possible return date: Newcastle (H) – Saturday, April 25.
Jurrien Timber
Timber is still on the sidelines recovering from the muscular injury he picked up nearly six weeks ago.
What Arteta has said: “Jurrien not [in the squad].”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori has not featured since the Champions League quarter-final first leg win over Sporting CP, but has been confirmed as available again.
What Arteta has said: “Riccardo [will be] in the squad.”
Possible return date: Newcastle (H) – Saturday, April 25.
Mikel Merino
Merino could yet return to action this season but Arteta has thus far been reluctant to confirm whether that is possible or not.
What Arteta has said: “It’s a bit premature to say that [he will play again this season]. He’s evolving really well he’s really pushing every boundary that he possibly can but it’s a bit early to answer that question.”
Possible return date: Crystal Palace (A) – Sunday, May 24.
