Mikel Arteta press conference injury update: Saka returns to squad but Timber ruled out as Arsenal assess defensive options vs Newcastle
Arsenal prepare to host Newcastle United on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium looking to regain top spot in the Premier League.
From having the chance to go 12 points clear prior to the Bournemouth game two weeks ago, the Gunners now find themselves second, after defeat to Manchester City last Sunday.
With City in FA Cup action, Arsenal can pull three points clear and put the pressure back on Pep Guardiola’s side.
As attention turns to team selection, fitness issues once again form part of the pre-match discussion. Mikel Arteta addressed the media with several key players still working their way back to full sharpness.
There were mixed updates from the Arsenal boss, with both encouraging signs and fresh concerns emerging from his latest briefing.
Bukayo Saka boost but Timber ruled out
The headline news centres on Bukayo Saka, who is set to return to the squad after a spell on the sidelines.
“Bukayo [Saka] probably is going to be in the squad, so good news,” Arteta told Arsenal.com.
The England international has been absent since the Carabao Cup final and also missed international duty, but Arteta explained the reasoning behind the cautious approach.
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“We have given him some time because there was a moment that he was struggling to sustain the performances because he wasn’t comfortable at all and we’ve done that so he had the right treatment, the right space,” he said.
“He had some time as well for himself and now it’s the most important part of the season and he’s back with us.”
Arteta also highlighted the positive impact of Saka’s return on the group.
“He was in great spirit today,” Arteta added. “You can see that the sun is shining and that he’s back with the team because he had a different energy.”
“He’s been through a tough period. We certainly missed him, and he’s back with us now.”
There is also optimism surrounding Riccardo Calafiori, who could be involved. The absence of Jurrien Timber, however, leaves Arsenal slightly stretched defensively heading into a crucial fixture.
“[Calafiori will] probably be in the squad as well. Jurrien not in the squad.”
Arteta remains hopeful Calafiori can stay fit through the run-in:
“He’s been much better this season than he was in the previous season. He was really unlucky in the previous season that he had last year as well. He’s putting so much into it as well, and hopefully we can keep him fit.”