Mikel Arteta has revealed that Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are all in contention to feature against Newcastle United this weekend.
Bukayo hasn’t played since our Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, but at his press conference ahead of our game against the Magpies, Mikel was positive about the attacker’s fitness.
“Bukayo (Saka) probably is going to be in the squad, so good news,” he said.
“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 had some time as well for himself and now it’s the most important part of the season and he’s back with us.”
When asked if Riccardo and Jurrien would be fit, Mikel added: “(Calafiori is) probably be in the squad as well. Jurrien not in the squad.”
Bukayo has missed five matches since the Carabao Cup final, as well as missing out on international duty with England.
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When asked how eager he has been to return to action, Mikel said: “He was in great spirit today. 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.”
Calafiori last featured during our Champions League quarter-final first leg win over Sporting.
The Italian has made more appearances this campaign than in 2024/25, and despite picking up injuries in 2026, Mikel is confident he can finish the season strongly.
He said: “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.”
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