Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a double injury boost ahead of the Premier League clash against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners are currently behind Manchester City on just goals scored after 33 games into the campaign, and they must respond with a victory over the Magpies tomorrow.
Ahead of the encounter, Arteta has provided good news on the injury front by confirming that Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are going to be fit to make the squad.
However, the game will come too soon for Jurrien Timber, who has been sidelined with a groin injury since the 2-0 league win over Everton at the Emirates last month.
He told reporters: “Bukayo [Saka] probably is going to be in the squad, so good news. [Riccardo] probably in the squad as well. Jurrien not in the squad.”
Arsenal have been poor since the international break. They have suffered back-to-back league defeats to Bournemouth and Man City, nullifying their advantage in the table.
The Cityzens jumped to the top of the standings with a slender 1-0 win over Burnley in midweek. The result was a boost for Arsenal, given Man City could have scored many more.
The Gunners are now into the final five-game stretch with a clear target in mind. They must win their remaining five matches with commanding scorelines to secure the title.
Arsenal have come on top against Newcastle in the last two meetings, but they won’t be an easy opposition to beat despite the absence of Anthony Gordon and Joelinton.
The Tyneside outfit have been a bogey club for the Gunners in the past. Arsenal need a quick start off the blocks with an early goal to avoid another nervous atmosphere at the Emirates.
Saka’s return is a huge boost for the Gunners. The Englishman has been far from their best since the New Year. Hopefully, the recent break will bring out the best in him tomorrow.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com