Seven players could miss Arsenal vs Fulham as Mikel Arteta confirms new injury to defender
Bukayo Saka may be back for Arsenal against Fulham on Tuesday night, having been out since December with a hamstring injury, but Mikel Arteta will be without at least four stars because of injury
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is in line to make his long-awaited return for Arsenal at home to Fulham on Tuesday night having been sidelined for three months with a hamstring injury.
But the Gunners remain without four players for the visit of Marco Silva's side to the Emirates, while the Cottagers make the short trip across London without three stars because of injury.
Arteta hinted that Saka could even start in his pre-match press conference, offering Arsenal a huge boost ahead of their Champions League quarter-final versus Real Madrid.
"Bukayo is ready to go," Arteta said before saying the England star could start if required. "Well, the careful thing is already done. So now it's about putting him in the grass in the right moments.
"But he's pushing because he really wants it. We have respected the time frame, we have done everything and we have to hold him back even. So he's ready to go.
"It's another massive weapon that we have with him. We know the impact that he's had on the team and how important his role and his contribution is to our success. So great to have him back, obviously."
Arsenal’s absentee list remains notable, though. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are both sidelined for the rest of the season because of long-term injuries, while Riccardo Calafiori returned from the international break with another knee problem.
“He picked up an injury again with the national team,” Arteta added. “It’s really unfortunate the way it happened. It could have been much worse so hopefully it's going to be a matter of weeks, but we'll have to see how that injury evolves.”
At the back Takehiro Tomiyasu is unlikely to feature again this season after knee surgery but Arteta could welcome back Jurrien Timber, who missed the Netherlands’ fixtures because of sickness.
“Jurien was ill for a long period, quite badly. He's felt much better in the last few days, so he's available.”
For Fulham, meanwhile, former Arsenal player Reiss Nelson remains out because of a hamstring injury, with Harry Wilson and Kenny Tete both looking to return from ankle and knee issues towards the second half of April.
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