Key Takeaways
- Bukayo Saka returns to Arsenal’s squad for Saturday’s evening kick-off against Newcastle United after a four-week Achilles lay-off.
- Defender Riccardo Calafiori has also recovered and is available for selection.
- Mikel Arteta says the final five league games and a Champions League semi-final give the club “everything to play for”.
Arsenal’s winger Bukayo Saka will be on the teamsheet for the first time since the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday.
Saka, 24, hurt his Achilles in that Wembley defeat and the Gunners have won only one of the five matches he missed. Arteta believes the forward’s comeback can lift the whole squad.
“He brings a different energy,” the Spaniard said. “We gave him time to heal properly because he wasn’t comfortable. Now he looks fresh, smiling and ready to help us.”
Arteta also revealed that Italy left-back Riccardo Calafiori has shaken off his own problem and will train fully before the Newcastle game.
With Manchester City ahead on goals scored after mid-week fixtures, Arsenal can return to the summit with a victory at the Emirates. Arteta insists his players are clear about the task.
“Five league games left and a Champions League semi-final first leg in Madrid on Wednesday,” he noted. “Two big trophies still possible — we would have signed up for that in August.”
