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Mikel Arteta has announced that Arsenal will have star winger Bukayo Saka available in the matchday squad for Saturday's home clash against Newcastle United.
Saka has been sidelined for more than a month due to an Achilles injury sustained during the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, sitting out seven matches across all competitions for club and country while watching Arsenal surrender their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
The 24-year-old has had a difficult season in terms of fitness, with this marking his third stint on the injury list this year. Although none of his setbacks have been particularly severe, they have stopped Saka from establishing any real rhythm or consistency.
"We gave him some time because there was a point where he was finding it hard to maintain his performances since he wasn't comfortable at all, and we did that so he could receive the right treatment and the right space," Arteta said ahead of the match.
"He also had some time for himself, and now we're at the most critical stage of the season and he's back with us."
Arteta: Returning Players Crucial to Title Hopes
Seeing a worn-out, physically battered squad stumble late in the campaign is nothing new for Arteta, and it is hardly a coincidence that Arsenal's title challenge has once again faltered during Saka's most recent spell on the treatment table.
Arsenal's injury concerns are gradually easing, however. Saka rejoins the squad along with left back Riccardo Calafiori, while captain Martin Ødegaard made an unexpected return to the starting eleven against City in their last outing.
"Simply being available isn't enough," Arteta reflected. "Being available at your best is what we require at this point in the season. But at least they are with us. They certainly make us a stronger side."
"We've missed them. And now all the players who have just returned will get more games and more minutes, and hopefully we'll see that reflected in our performances as well."
"[Saka] was in great spirits today. You could tell the sun was shining for him and that he was happy to be back with the team — he had a different energy about him. He's been through a tough spell. We definitely missed him, and now he's back with us."
With Saka and Calafiori back in the fold, Arsenal are now without just two senior players. Dutch defender Jurriën Timber remains sidelined, while utility midfielder Mikel Merino continues to be a long-term absentee for the Gunners.