Arsenal could have Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber back in contention to face Newcastle this weekend.
The pair’s absence has been keenly felt, but there is now growing optimism that they will be available for the Gunners’ next fixture.
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Saka has not played since the Carabao Cup final, while Timber has not featured since being substituted in the 2-0 win over Everton last month.
However, The Standard report that “both could be back” in the matchday squad to play the Magpies on Saturday evening.
Saka narrowly missed out on the Man City game
It is believed that Arsenal’s no.7 was targeting his comeback for the trip to the Etihad Stadium, but he was unable to recover in time from an Achilles injury that he sustained more than a month ago.
Saka is expected to be back running on the grass this week, but it remains to be seen whether that means he will be fit to start this weekend.
The forward was said to have picked up the issue even before the Carabao Cup final, so it is an injury that has to be managed carefully, and he can’t risk coming back before he is ready.
What is the situation with Timber?
The fullback has been sidelined for longer than Saka, and it has been suggested that the Dutchman actually sustained TWO separate injuries when he was forced to leave the pitch in the first half against Everton.
Timber did suffer an ankle sprain, but there are reports that he also had an adductor problem, which has kept him on the treatment table for the best part of six weeks.
Like Saka, it would be a surprise if the right-back returned to the starting lineup straight away, considering how long he has been out for, but we shall have to wait and see.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here