Gunners get double injury boost with chance to regain top spot in Premier League table as Saka and Calafiori return for Emirates clash
Arsenal have been handed a monumental double injury boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League showdown against Newcastle United, with Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori both set to be named in the matchday squad at the Emirates Stadium. However, Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jurrien Timber remains sidelined, and the returning stars are unlikely to be thrust straight into the starting XI.
🚑 Double Injury Boost: Saka and Calafiori Return
The biggest news emerging from north London is the return of Bukayo Saka. The England international has been sidelined since the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, battling an Achilles injury that has kept him out of action for several weeks. However, Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the Arsenal No.7 has stepped up his recovery this week and will be in the squad.
“Bukayo probably is going to be in the squad, so good news,” Arteta told reporters ahead of Saturday’s home game.
Alongside Saka, Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori is also expected to return after missing the last three matches. Arteta added: “[Calafiori] Probably in the squad as well.”
However, there was also a note of caution. The Newcastle game comes too soon for Jurrien Timber, who is closing in on a return from a groin injury but will not feature. “Jurrien not in the squad,” Arteta confirmed bluntly.
Arsenal Injury Status:
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Bukayo Saka | ✅ Available (matchday squad) |
| Riccardo Calafiori | ✅ Available (matchday squad) |
| Jurrien Timber | ❌ Injured (groin) |
📋 Predicted Lineup: Arteta to Stick with Winning Formula
Despite the returning firepower, Arteta is expected to keep changes to a minimum. Saka is unlikely to be thrown straight back into the starting lineup after his lengthy layoff. This means Kai Havertz is set to continue leading the line over Viktor Gyokeres, and Eberechi Eze is expected to operate from the left wing.
Martin Odegaard returned from a knee injury at the Etihad Stadium and, after a clear week of training, should retain his role as the creative No.10. The midfield pivot of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi provides a robust base behind the Norwegian playmaker.
🏆 Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | David Raya |
| RB | Ben White |
| CB | William Saliba |
| CB | Gabriel Magalhães |
| LB | Piero Hincapié |
| CM | Martin Zubimendi |
| CM | Declan Rice |
| CAM | Martin Ødegaard (C) |
| RW | Noni Madueke |
| LW | Eberechi Eze |
| ST | Kai Havertz |
Confirmed Absentees: Merino, Timber
🖥️ Match Details
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Venue: Emirates Stadium
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Date & Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026 – 5.30pm BST
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How to Watch: Sky Sports (UK)
🎙️ Opposition View: Newcastle’s Injury Crisis Deepens
While Arsenal welcome back key men, the visitors are facing the opposite trend. Newcastle United are set to be without at least five players for their trip to the Emirates, with Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento among those ruled out.
Eddie Howe confirmed that Gordon will miss the game with a hip injury, having not trained all week. “He won’t make the game. He hasn’t trained this week. Again, not a serious injury, but not in time for this game. Hopefully the next one,” Howe stated. Livramento is also set to undergo a scan, though the injury is not believed to be serious.
Adding to Newcastle’s woes, Joelinton is suspended after accumulating 10 yellow cards this season, while Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar remain long-term absentees.
⚔️ Tactical Outlook & Prediction
Arsenal are looking to complete the league double over Newcastle for the first time since the 2020/21 season after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory at St James’ Park back in September. The Gunners have historically dominated this fixture at home, with Newcastle failing to win in their last 13 Premier League visits to north London (losing 12 and drawing 1).
Coming off two consecutive Premier League defeats, Arsenal desperately need points to keep pace in the title race, while Eddie Howe has admitted that his Newcastle side have “lost a bit of confidence” after a run of defeats. Arteta has demanded his players go “all in,” framing this as the first match of a “new league” in the run-in. “The energy raised, the belief raised… the clarity of what we have to do, it cannot be better,” Arteta declared on Friday.
With Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi controlling the tempo against a depleted Newcastle midfield, expect the Gunners to dominate possession and create enough chances to secure a vital three points in their pursuit of the Premier League crown. The safe money is on Arsenal to win, though both teams could find the net given Newcastle’s desperation to halt their slide.