Arsenal will welcome back Riccardo Califiori and Ethan Nwaneri for the Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb, with only William Saliba and Bukkayosaka remaining.
Manchester United After the Gunners' last three games against Tottenham and Aston Villa were both injured and 17-year-old Nwaneri was also injured in the 2-0 defeat, Mikel Arteta will play both at the Emirates on Wednesday. They will play Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
“Very good news. We've been away for a few weeks and today we're back in training. They will be available for the game,” Arteta said of the return set.
The Spaniard shared some positive news about the fitness of influential centre-back Saliba in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Villa, but said tomorrow's game will be too soon.
Arteta said: “He's really progressing. He's gotten a lot better the last few days, but this game is a little too early for him.”
England striker Saka returned from a hamstring injury sustained in the match against Crystal Palace on December 21.
“That's not going to change. I think it's procedural and time consuming. That phase is now over.
“He's really good. I feel like I'm getting better day by day, but you have to respect the healing process and there are other stages to go through in recovery.”
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— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 20 2025
Knockout qualification on the cards
A draw with Villa and a two-goal lead saw Arsenal lose further ground in the title race. The north Londoners are currently six points clear of Liverpool, having played one game more than the leaders.
But for Arteta's men in Europe, there was no such problem as they secured a place in the last 16 despite winning the third-place play-off on Wednesday.
“So far we've been really good. We are in a strong position and now is the time to capitalize at home,” Arteta said ahead of tomorrow's clash and their campaign.
“The work we've done for months, we need a strong performance against a really good side and we'll try to do that.”
Automatic qualification to the last 16 with the top eight teams brings with it the added bonus of a significantly reduced workload as they continue to battle in the league and Carabao Cup.
“It will always be difficult because what we have to do is talk about the Champions League,” added Arteta. “If we can do that, it's clear that we have the best advice on the table to make the right decision.
“Of course (last season's break) helped a lot (with the break for the last three months, we can adjust a little bit, because of work, some people can take a break, but some people are coming back. That will be great.”
Arsenal transfer news
Arteta has been asked to add strikers with the north Londoners in the market in the final 10 days of Arsenal's January transfer window.
“I understand what happened. A lot of people are texting 'you after you'. I don't even know what they are talking about.
“I'm not too late. I have a lot of work to do, so don't worry too much.”