Arsenal will include Bukayo Saka in the squad for Saturday’s Premier League match against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, with manager Mikel Arteta confirming his return on Friday after an Achilles injury. Arsenal aim to regain top spot from Manchester City during a tightly contested title race.
“Bukayo probably is going to be in the squad, so good news,” Arteta said. He confirmed Saka’s availability but did not guarantee a starting role, which suggests a managed return after injury.
“We’ve given him some time. There was a moment where he was struggling to sustain his performances because he wasn’t comfortable at all.” He explained that the absence addressed both fitness and performance consistency.
“We’ve done that, he had the right treatment, the right space and had some time for himself too. It’s now the most important time of the season and he’s back with us.” He linked Saka’s return directly to the final phase of the campaign.
Arsenal lost three of their last five matches without Saka and exited the FA Cup during that period. The team also dropped from top spot as Manchester City moved ahead on goals scored despite equal points and goal difference.
Arteta also confirmed Riccardo Calafiori is available again, while Jurrien Timber remains unavailable. Squad depth improves with returning players, but selection depends on match readiness.
“Being available is not enough. Being available in your best level is what we need at this stage of the season,” Arteta said. He set a performance threshold rather than relying on fitness alone.
“But at least they are with us, they make us stronger certainly. We’ve missed them and hopefully we will be better for it.” He emphasised the impact of returning players on overall squad quality.
“For me, no. Before, the psychological effect was being chased. For many months,” Arteta said. He rejected the idea that losing top spot would affect the team mentally.
“What is better, what is worse? Win the next game. The psychological effect is tough no matter where you are.” He framed the title race as a results-driven situation rather than a psychological contest.
“Win tomorrow. Game one, win, and we will be that much closer. I have belief in our players, in our people and the willingness we have to achieve what we want,” he added. He focused on immediate outcomes as the primary objective.
“It’s five games to go, four weeks. Two big competitions to play for and everything to play for. If someone had told us that at the beginning of the season, we would have taken it.” He highlighted the scale of opportunity across both domestic and European competitions.
Arsenal remain level on points with Manchester City and continue their campaign with a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid next week.
