Arsenal target Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber returns for Newcastle
Arsenal are optimistic that key duo Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber will return from injury for Saturday’s match against Newcastle United.
Manager Mikel Arteta was left frustrated by the unavailability of crucial squad members following a recent defeat to Bournemouth.
The Spanish tactician sent a pointed message regarding fitness, demanding that his most influential figures return to action immediately.
“The ones that are not involved, the ones that are not with us, that are really big, important players, we need them immediately with us,” Arteta said.
Title race lessons
Injuries have heavily impacted the north London club during the business end of recent campaigns.
William Saliba’s persistent back issue famously derailed their championship charge during the 2022-23 season.
Speaking prior to a loss against Manchester City, the Gunners boss revealed his biggest lesson from falling short in previous title races.
“Get all the players available in April,” he replied.
“April, May, the whole squad available, your best players on the pitch as much as possible. Probability to win it increases dramatically.”
Right flank problems
That ideal scenario is currently proving difficult to achieve at the Emirates Stadium.
While captain Martin Odegaard recently returned to the fold, several high-profile names remain sidelined.
Summer signing Mikel Merino has been a significant miss, with his versatility sorely lacking during a congested fixture list.
Left-back Riccardo Calafiori is also nearing a comeback, offering an unpredictable attacking threat as the title race potentially hinges on goal difference.
However, the simultaneous absence of Saka and Timber has undoubtedly created the biggest headache.
Saka recovery steps up
The right wing has become a major problem position for which the coaching staff currently have no obvious solution.
Fortunately, optimism is growing that both the England international and the Dutch defender could feature against Newcastle.
The 24-year-old academy graduate has been managing an Achilles issue that eventually forced him out of action following the Carabao Cup final.
Social media rumours suggesting the lightning-fast winger could miss the remainder of the season are understood to be completely inaccurate.
Instead, he now has a clear week without midweek fixtures to build towards full fitness on the training pitch.
With Noni Madueke struggling to complete full matches and youth prospect Max Dowman too inexperienced to carry the burden, a swift return for their talisman is desperately needed.
