Mikel Arteta don give update wey go make Arsenal fans happy. Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori dey in contention to feature against Newcastle United this weekend.
Saka no don play since Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City. But Arteta talk say e dey positive about the attacker’s fitness. “Bukayo probably go dey in the squad, so good news,” Arteta yarn at press conference.
“We don give am some time because there was moment wey e dey struggle to sustain performances because e no comfortable at all. We do that so e get right treatment, right space. E get some time for imself and now na the most important part of the season and e back with us.”
For Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, Arteta add: “Calafiori probably go dey in the squad as well. Jurrien no dey in the squad.”
Saka don miss five matches since Carabao Cup final, plus international duty with England. Arteta talk say e dey in great spirit today. “You fit see say the sun dey shine and e back with the team because e get different energy. E don pass through tough period. We certainly miss am, and e back with us now.”
Calafiori last feature for Champions League quarter-final first leg win over Sporting CP. The Italian don make more appearances this campaign than in 2024/25. Despite picking injuries in 2026, Arteta confident e fit finish season strong. “E don be much better this season than previous season. E really unlucky for previous season wey e get last year. E dey put so much into am, and hopefully we fit keep am fit.”
Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney don talk say Saka return na huge boost for Arsenal title race. Former Manchester United striker yarn for BBC podcast: “Bukayo Saka don dey really good for Arsenal for past few years. Maybe this season e no reach im best, but e such key player. So getting am back now really big. E one of the team leaders, so having am back na huge boost.”
Arteta challenge Saka to inspire Arsenal to Premier League glory as winger prepare for timely return from Achilles injury. With title race enter final weeks, Gunners boss dey bank on im talismanic forward to provide decisive impact to overcome Manchester City.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor @ nnn.ng
