Arsenal are closing in on having a fully fit squad as they seek to return to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday.
The Gunners travel to Brighton and could be third by kick-off but that could all change once again.
With Liverpool not in action until Sunday evening against Manchester United, Mikel Arteta’s men have an opportunity to pile the pressure on their title rivals.
Having played on Wednesday night against Luton Town, a refreshed and rested squad will be put to task on the south coast.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side were only able to draw 0-0 with Brentford in mid-week and have now won just two of their last eight games.
At home it is only one league defeat all season though – just two in all competitions – and Arsenal will need to use their squad smartly ahead of the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich to come.
Arteta has little to worry about after resting a core group of players for the win over the Hatters. However, it is all eyes on Bukayo Saka as he edges towards a return.
Here, 360gist.com.ng has the latest from the Arsenal treatment room.
Bukayo Saka
Injury: Muscular
However, Saka was not involved on Wednesday in a heavily rotated XI after failing a fitness test, 360gist.com.ng understands. It is believed that his absence is not thought to be much of a worry, though, as he recovers from a muscular issue picked up before the break.
He missed out as a precaution having not been able to complete all activities in training on Tuesday. He travelled to the game with the squad.
What Arteta has said: “He was close but again he felt something in a very similar area against City and it was a very short turnaround. Hopefully he’ll be able to train again and we can have him for the weekend.”
He added on Friday: “We will know now. We have a training session in a few hours and we will know if he’s fit or not.” He continued: “No [I am not worried about burnout]. I am super positive. I think he is going to fly and be so decisive.
“I think [my confidence is] because he is so strong, how much he wants it when you talk to him and how excited he is about what is coming. He wants to be there and he is getting better and better.
“It is normal, you have little niggles, you have kicks. He has gone through a lot of that in the last two or three years, and look at the way he is performing.”
Potential return date: Brighton (A) – Saturday, April 6.
Jurrien Timber
Injury: Knee
The defender has been recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered back in August during the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.
His only other appearance came in the Community Shield against Manchester City.
Timber has been in team training since before the break. .
What Arteta has said: “He’s doing very well. He’s back training, he’s not far off, the thing is that last step, he hasn’t played any minutes.
