Bukayo Saka is predicted to be back within the Arsenal squad for his or her Premier League clash with Newcastle United.
Saka has not featured because the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City in March, sitting out of all five games because the end of the international break.
Arteta revealed earlier this month his winger is coping with an Achilles injury. While it had been hoped he may be available for last weekend’s showdown with City on the Etihad, Saka was once more not noted of the squad.
Arsenal are still fighting on two fronts with the primary leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid looming next week.
And in an enormous boost ahead of that game and the visit of the Magpies, Arteta has confirmed Saka is more likely to be in contention to return this weekend.
He told a press conference on Friday: ‘Bukayo might be going to be within the squad. So excellent news.
‘Now we have given him a while, it was a moment where he was struggling to keep up the performances. He has a while for himself.’
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Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori update
Timber meanwhile has not played since coming off in Arsenal’s win over Everton in March, sitting out of the last seven games resulting from a groin problem.
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Arteta has remained tight-lipped on the Dutchman’s recovery and confirmed on Friday his right-back is not going to be within the squad this weekend.
Arteta has been without each his first-choice full-backs with Riccardo Calafiori not playing because the first leg win over Sporting CP.
The Italy international is nonetheless within the frame to return against Eddie Howe’s side.
‘Riccardo within the squad, Jurrien not,’ Arteta said.
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