FOOTBALL
Posted on February 24, 2026 9:00 pm | Updated on February 24, 2026 5:36 pm
Arsenal fans held their breath when Bukayo Saka went down against Tottenham Hotspur. The winger looked in pain and his late substitution raised instant panic across the Emirates. With Arsenal vs Chelsea next on the schedule, the doubts remain on his availability.
Will Bukayo Saka Be Fit For Arsenal vs Chelsea Fixture?
The drama unfolded late in **Arsenal**’s hard fought 4-1 win over Tottenham in the Premier League. Bukayo Saka was caught in a tough challenge with Xavi Simons. Due to the knock, he needed treatment on the field. He stayed down longer than most would have liked. With that, the mood inside the stadium shifted instantly.
When he eventually made way for Noni Madueke, the concern was clear. The Gunners’ medical staff had checked him carefully before allowing the substitution. The fans are fearing the worst with a huge run of fixtures approaching.
After the final whistle, Saka did not look like a player facing weeks on the sidelines. He moved comfortably during the celebrations. In addition, he walked down the tunnel without visible discomfort. That small detail seems like a good sign for Mikel Arteta at the moment.
Even more calming was Arteta’s tone after the match. The manager did not highlight any serious issue during his press conference. There was no warning or no unhappy expression. There was no hint of a setback as well. In football, silence from managers can sometimes speak volumes. But right now, it suggests everything looks under control.
Arteta Keeps Calm As Arsenal Injury List Shrinks
Arsenal’s squad picture is improving at the right time. For much of the season, Arteta has had to deal with key absences. Now, the medical room is slowly becoming less crowded.
Mikel Merino remains a long term concern and is still some way from returning. Beyond that, the news is far brighter. Kai Havertz is closing in on full fitness and could be back in the squad soon. Max Dowman has also returned to training. He has been building rhythm over the past couple of weeks.
Dowman’s absence has not always been felt because competition for places has been fierce. Even if he had been fully fit earlier, there was no guarantee of game time. Now, with options increasing, Arteta has genuine depth to call upon.
If Saka is declared fit, Arsenal could head into the Chelsea clash with almost everyone available. That scenario would leave just one senior player sidelined. For a side competing across multiple competitions, that is a huge boost.
Massive Test Ahead Of Chelsea
Ahead of the meeting with Chelsea, the Gunners know the stakes are high. The Premier League schedule is tightening, and there is little room for error. At the same time, cup fixtures are piling up as well.
Now, the last 16 of the FA Cup is approaching. The Champions League knockout rounds demand focus and energy. A League Cup final is also coming close. It is a key stretch of the season, one that can shape how this campaign is remembered.
Saka’s presence is not just about numbers on a team sheet. He brings direct running, courage in tight spaces, and the kind of spark that changes big games. Chelsea will prepare differently if they know he is starting. Against him, defenders track him closely and midfielders keep him under watch.
The north London supporters understand that current situation. That is why the knock against Tottenham felt so heavy. Unless anything chages, all signs point toward Saka being ready for one of the biggest fixtures of the season. And if that happens, Arsenal vs Chelsea will be a great game to watch for the Gunners’ fans.
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