Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given a hopeful update on the fitness of Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori ahead of their crucial Premier League showdown with Liverpool this weekend. All three players have been sidelined with injuries, and their potential return could be a significant boost for the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka’s Recovery
Saka, who has missed Arsenal’s last two matches due to a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty, has returned to training. Arteta revealed that Saka has some light training on the grass, but it remains uncertain how far he can be pushed before Sunday’s match. “He’s done a bit of training on the grass,” Arteta said. “How far we can get him to Sunday, that’s a different question. We have another day, which is a good thing, but we’ll see.
Mikel Arteta on Jurrien Timber’s Status
Timber, who has been out since the international break with a muscle injury, is also making progress. Arteta mentioned that Timber could have some involvement in training, but it’s still too early to confirm his availability for the match. “It’s the first session that he could have some involvement. He’s been out for a while, we expected him to be further back than where he is at the moment but, again, we have to wait and see.”
Mikel Arteta on Riccardo Calafiori’s Status
Calafiori, who jarred his knee during Arsenal’s recent Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, is still undergoing tests to determine the extent of his injury. Arteta mentioned that Calafiori needs more tests and that the results will determine his availability for the Liverpool game. “He needs some more tests. Yesterday he had some, today he’s going to have some more and from there we will know.
Despite the uncertainties, Arteta remains optimistic about the trio’s chances of playing. “We’re going to do our very best to somehow have them available, but it’s very uncertain. We have different options, players that have already played there before. It’s true that that partnership has been very stable as you said, he’s played every single moment. He’s not available, we have to find a different solution which is something that, as a team, we need to be good at as well.
The potential return of Saka, Timber, and Calafiori would be a massive boost for Arsenal as they prepare to face Liverpool, who currently sit top of the Premier League table. Arsenal fans will be eagerly awaiting the final fitness updates on all three players as they hope for a strong performance against their fierce rivals
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