Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken to the press ahead of his side’s clash with Fulham in the Premier League this week.
The manager is ready to welcome his side back to action at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, with a big run of matches ahead.
There are just two months left in the Premier League season, with Arsenal looking to finish as strongly as they can in the competition.
While a Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid looms large in the background, Mikel Arteta is firmly focused on taking on Fulham.
It comes with a huge boost in that Bukayo Saka is returning from injury and available for the tie at home.
While the winger is finally back in action, the Arsenal boss also gave two other injury updates before the match.
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Mikel Arteta gives update on Riccardo Calafiori injury and Jurrien Timber illness
Over the international break, there were two new fitness concerns for Arsenal to worry about for the weeks ahead.
One of those was Jurrien Timber, who picked up an illness and had to withdraw from the Netherlands squad.
Another of those was Riccardo Calafiori, who picked up a knee injury while away on international duty with Italy.
Fortunately, Timber was pictured back in training and is set to feature again, while Calafiori is unfortunately set for a spell out on the sidelines.
Arteta told the press: “He [Calafiori] picked up an injury again with the national team. 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.”
On Timber, he added: “Jurien was ill for a long period, quite badly. He’s felt much better in the last few days, so he’s available.”
It suggests there could be a bit of a wait for Calafiori, but a return for Timber is in sight.
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Ben White could be in line for Arsenal starting lineup return
While Timber appears to be in contention to start for Arsenal again, it may be wise for Mikel Arteta to avoid an immediate call to action.
The full-back has only just returned from a big illness and could need a little more time to get back into full contention.
Beyond that may be some thinking on Ben White and getting him some minutes on the pitch before the end of the week.
White only recently returned from injury as he required surgery on his knee that kept him out of action for a while.
The 27-year-old may well be an important figure before the end of the campaign, not least in the Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid.
Jurrien Timber is one yellow card away from suspension in Europe, which could force a change for Arsenal.
Having some minutes built could help White ease his way into the team as soon as he is required.
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