Bukayo Saka is back in Arsenal's squad for the clash with Newcastle United, Mikel Arteta said on Friday, as the North London side look to reclaim top spot from Manchester City in a thrilling Premier League title race.
The England winger has been sidelined since Arsenal's League Cup final defeat by City last month with an Achilles problem, during which time Arteta's side have stumbled. Without Saka, Arsenal have lost three of their last five matches, crashing out of the FA Cup and watching their title rivals leapfrog them at the league summit.
"Bukayo probably is going to be in the squad, so good news," Arteta told reporters ahead of Saturday's home game against 14th-placed Newcastle.
"We've given him some time. There was a moment where he was struggling to sustain his performances because he wasn't comfortable at all.
"We've done that, he had the right treatment, the right space and had some time for himself too. It's now the most important time of the season and he's back with us."
Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United misses a headed chance while under pressure from Leny Yoro of Manchester United at Old Trafford on April 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. Leeds United won the match, 2-1.Djordje Petrovic of AFC Bournemouth attempts to make a save while under pressure from Gabriel and William Saliba of Arsenal during the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2026 in London, England. Bournemouth won the match, 2-1.Konstantinos Mavropanos of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal in a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at London Stadium on April 10, 2026 in London, England.Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi (9) scores his club's third goal in a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on March 22, 2026.Brighton's Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring his team's opener against Liverpool on March 21, 2026.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match against Brighton on March 21, 2026.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrates his side's second goal against AFC Bournemouth on March 21, 2026.
James Milner celebrates Brighton's win against Brentford on Feb. 21, 2026.
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Manchester City's Rayan Cherki celebrates after scoring his team's second goal against Nottingham Forest on Dec. 27.
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1 / 72Best Premier League action, scenes and drama from 2025-26 seasonDominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United misses a headed chance while under pressure from Leny Yoro of Manchester United at Old Trafford on April 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. Leeds United won the match, 2-1.1 / 72Best Premier League action, scenes and drama from 2025-26 seasonDominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United misses a headed chance while under pressure from Leny Yoro of Manchester United at Old Trafford on April 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. Leeds United won the match, 2-1.2 / 72Best Premier League action, scenes and drama from 2025-26 seasonDjordje Petrovic of AFC Bournemouth attempts to make a save while under pressure from Gabriel and William Saliba of Arsenal during the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2026 in London, England. Bournemouth won the match, 2-1.3 / 72Best Premier League action, scenes and drama from 2025-26 seasonKonstantinos Mavropanos of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal in a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at London Stadium on April 10, 2026 in London, England.4 / 72Best Premier League action, scenes and drama from 2025-26 seasonNottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi (9) scores his club's third goal in a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on March 22, 2026.5 / 72Best Premier League action, scenes and drama from 2025-26 seasonBrighton's Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring his team's opener against Liverpool on March 21, 2026.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match against Brighton on March 21, 2026.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrates his side's second goal against AFC Bournemouth on March 21, 2026.
James Milner celebrates Brighton's win against Brentford on Feb. 21, 2026.