Arsenal boss Arteta makes five-word Saka statement and shares 'unfortunate' new injury

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka is back from injury and may even start when Fulham travel to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. "Bukayo is ready to go", claimed the head coach, who has been without his influential winger since December 21.

He also shared that Riccardo Calafiori picked up an "unfortunate" injury while away on international duty, but Jurrien Timber has recovered from illness and will be in the squad to face Fulham.

Many would have expected Saka's return to the first-team would have been gradual after three months on the sidelines, but Arteta was more than happy to tease the prospect of the England football team star being named in the starting line-up.

"We had a good time to reflect and reset and put ourselves in this part of the season," Arteta said after an extended break following international football and an FA Cup weekend. "Bukayo is ready to go! He is pushing, we have to respect the timeframe. He is ready to go."

When directly asked in his press conference if Saka could start for the visit of Marco Silva's outfit, the Spaniard replied: "Yeah.

"His role and his contribution to our success is so important to us. The fact that he able to come in at the most important part of the season is massive."

Calafiori appeared to twist his left knee and was forced off during Italy's Nations League clash with Germany. Arteta lamented the "unfortunate" nature of the injury but insisted that the defender could have been facing a longer lay-off than is expected.

"Unfortunately Riccardo picked up an injury with the national team. Really unfortunate the way it happened," Arteta said. "It could be much worse. Hopefully it is going to be a matter of weeks, we will have to see how that injury evolves. Knee injury. Two injuries (previously), one it was a kick and one it was a really bad turn, twist. The other was muscular."

There was more positive news regarding Jurrien Timber, however, who missed the Netherlands' Nations League two-legged tie with Spain due to illness.

Arteta explained that the full-back had a nasty bout of sickness but has been back in club training since and will be involved when Fulham make the short journey to north London.

"Jurrien was ill for a long period, quite badly," Arteta added. "But he has felt much better in the last few days so he is available."