Mikel Arteta is set to have Bukayo Saka available once again.Mikel Arteta is set to have Bukayo Saka available once again.
Mikel Arteta is set to have Bukayo Saka available once again. | Getty Images
Bukayo Saka is set to return for Arsenal for the first time since facing Crystal Palace in December.
Arsenal return to Premier League action against Fulham after the international break and are set to be buoyed by the return of Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners are now 12 points off league leaders Liverpool but are in search of momentum ahead of the huge Champions League quarter final clash with Real Madrid. They make the short trip to Craven Cottage to take on a Fulham side in need of a response after FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta has been handed one fresh injury blow over the break and LondonWorld looks at how the Gunners could line up to take on Fulham.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Fulham
Goalkeeper: David Raya
Defenders: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly
There’s no need for change at the back for Arteta with his goalkeeper and four defenders returning from international duty without fresh problems. Myles Lewis-Skelly had the most head-turning stint over the break, making his England debut and scoring for the Three Lions.
Timber couldn’t feature for the Netherlands this month due to sickness but will be fit for Fulham, Arteta has confirmed. Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury in Italy’s match against Germany and is ruled out. Arteta said: “He picked up an injury again with the national team. It’s really unfortunate the way it happened. It could have been much worse so hopefully it's going to be a matter of weeks, but we'll have to see how that injury evolves.
“Jurien was ill for a long period, quite badly. He's felt much better in the last few days, so he's available.”
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice
Bukayo Saka injury news confirmed
Wingers: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli
There are no injury problems to worry about in central midfield. That should see Arteta deploy Thomas Partey alongside mainstays Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice with Mikel Merino’s duties currently further up the pitch. On the flanks, the huge news for the Gunners comes in the imminent return of starboy Bukayo Saka.
The England international is set to return on the right flank, which would allow Gabriel Martinelli to move to the left. Arteta said: “Bukayo is ready to go. All the careful things he's already done, so now it's about putting him on the grass in the right moments.
“He's pushing because he really wants it. We have to respect the timeframe, but we have done everything and we have had to hold him back even, so he's ready to go.
“It's another massive weapon that we have. We know the impact that he's had on the team and how important his role and his contribution is to our success, so great to have him back.”
Striker: Mikel Merino
The return of Saka will free up the versatile Leandro Trossard. The Belgian international has been on the flank in recent weeks but has also been deployed through the centre by Arteta and could be asked to do that job with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz still out.
It seems more likely that Arsenal will persevere with Mikel Merino as their makeshift striker. The 28-year-old was on target against Chelsea last time out and scored for Spain against the Netherlands over the break.
In other news, Tottenham have made a 'first time' announcement as North London derby venue confirmed.