Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that key players Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are fit and available for Saturday’s Premier League encounter against Brentford, easing fears among fans following their early substitutions in the midweek Champions League triumph over Real Madrid.
Both England internationals played pivotal roles in Tuesday’s emphatic 3-0 victory at the Emirates, with Saka winning the two free-kicks that Rice clinically converted to give the Gunners a commanding lead.
However, their premature exits raised concerns over potential injuries.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta delivered a positive update.
“Bukayo and Dec are both fit,” Arteta confirmed. “It was just a matter of two knocks and they’ve recovered well. They’re available for tomorrow.”
The Gunners will look to carry the momentum from that European night into domestic action as they continue their push at the top end of the Premier League table.
Arteta also offered an encouraging update on defender Riccardo Calafiori, who has been sidelined with a knee injury sustained during international duty.
The Italian has missed Arsenal’s last three matches but could soon be back in contention.
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“Ricky’s progressing really well,” Arteta said. “It’s hard to give a timeline, but he’s in a good place. The next step is seeing how he reacts around others in training.”
When asked about Kai Havertz, who has been recovering from hamstring surgery since January, Arteta remained hopeful but cautious.
With the final day of the season just over 100 days since the injury, parallels were drawn to Saka’s own return from a similar issue.
“Every injury is different, but both players have an incredible mindset and work ethic,” said Arteta. “Kai is desperate to get back. Our medical team is doing a great job. Hopefully, we can have him back before the end of the season — but we’ll have to wait and see.”
Arsenal take on Brentford at the Emirates on Saturday looking to keep pace in both domestic and European competitions, with the squad boosted by the return of two of its biggest stars.