Arteta confirms Bukayo Saka’s return ahead of Newcastle test
By Luke Oluoch, April 24, 2026Mikel Arteta has confirmed a trio of positive injury developments in the Arsenal camp, with Bukayo Saka among the timely boots ahead of their Saturday, April 25, 2026, home clash against Newcastle United.
Speaking on Friday, April 24, 2026, the Spaniard confirmed that Saka, alongside Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, had all returned to training, with the Dutchman being the only one yet to return to the team squad.
Back in squad
“Bukayo [Saka] probably is going to be in the squad, so good news. Same as Calafiori, who could be in the squad as well. Jurrien is not in the squad,” he disclosed.
The gaffer also commented on the prevailing mood within the team’s camp after a spate of inconsistencies and losses that culminated in last Sunday’s loss to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, potentially hampering their title prospects.
“The same, the energy raised, the belief raised, I think the clarity of what we have to do cannot be better. Five games to go. Tomorrow, game one, all in. Let us go for it,” he charged.
He asserted that all remain within his team’s hands as they start off a run of important run-ins days after losing the top spot to Manchester City, who only tops the table on a superior goal difference.
Going all in!
“It’s five games to go, four weeks, two big competitions to play for, and everything to play for. I mean, if someone would have told us at the beginning of the season, we would have taken it and we are so excited, and tomorrow is game one.
“The first thing we have to do is earn the right to win the game and then win it, and then, depending on how the situation is, you can think about something else. But the priority is that you have to be better than the opposition, earn the right to win the game, and win it. That’s the first thing,” he explained about the potential of winning the league on goals.
The Gunners will face off against the Magpies at 7:30 pm.