Arsenal
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Arsenal will resume their Premier League campaign on Tuesday when they host London rivals Fulham at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners remain in pursuit of league leaders Liverpool, despite trailing Arne Slot’s side by 12 points with just nine matches left in the season.
Mikel Arteta’s squad has received a major boost with the return of star winger Bukayo Saka to first-team action. The English forward is expected to feature against Fulham after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for over three months. Additionally, Jurrien Timber, who missed the Netherlands’ international fixtures due to illness, is back in contention for selection.
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However, Arsenal will be without Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, who is set to spend several weeks on the sidelines following a knee injury sustained on international duty. The 22-year-old suffered the setback during Italy’s 2-1 defeat to Germany, later describing a “strange” sensation in his knee as he left the stadium.
Italy Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori suffered another injury while on international duty with Italy (Image credit: Getty Images)
Calafiori underwent medical tests, and while he avoided a serious injury, he will still require time to recover. Arteta confirmed the news, stating: “Riccardo unfortunately picked up an injury again with the national team. 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.”
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With just nine matches remaining, Arsenal will look to close the gap on Liverpool, beginning with their clash against Fulham. The Gunners are eager to capitalize on any slip-ups from the league leaders, who are set to face Everton on Wednesday.
Speaking about Timber’s recovery, Arteta provided a positive update: “[Timber] was ill for a long period, quite badly. He’s felt much better in the last few days.” His potential return could further bolster Arsenal’s defensive options in the crucial final stretch of the season.
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