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Arsenal get Riccardo Calafiori and Bukayo Saka back for crucial Premier League clash with Newcastle as Mikel Arteta targets a return to top spot.
Bukayo Saka will be back for Arsenal against Newcastle (Picture credit: AP)
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has said that star defender Riccardo Calafiori and right-winger Bukayo Saka will be back for the team’s clash against Newcastle in the Premier League, when the two sides face off on Saturday, April 25, at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta’s team were knocked out of pole position by City’s 1-0 victory over Burnley and suddenly their Premier League title dreams look bleak.
Arsenal, level on points with Manchester City but trailing on goals scored, can move back to the top of the table by avoiding a loss to Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
“Bukayo probably is going to be in the squad, so good news. [Riccardo Calafiori] is in the squad as well, Jurrien isn’t in the squad,” Arteta said.
The coach added that the club took the decision to permit Saka sufficient time before returning to action. Arteta also admitted that the English winger was frustrated by his lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“Yeah, we have given him some time because there was a moment that he was struggling to sustain the performances because he was not comfortable at all and we have done that so he had the right treatment, the right space,” Arteta said.
“Well, because it was a long-term injury. Now time for himself, that I mean, you aren’t connected with the team every day, so I think it was a good moment for him as well to reflect on that to have some peace, because we have been constantly asking and demanding him and it was a moment to say, okay, now when you feel ready let us know and we will go for it,” Arteta added.
Saka hasn’t featured for Arsenal since their EFL Cup Final loss to Manchester City a month ago.
April 24, 2026, 22:55 IST
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